Anselm Kiefer's oil paintings are truly captivating. The show currently on view at Gagosian Gallery on 21st street presents a large selection of his new paintings, artist books and watercolors. There is a lot to take in and I admit I spent most of my time there looking at his large oil paintings. They are thick and crusty and peeling away from the canvas in a most melodic way. The beautiful, romantic landscapes from a distance became ragged and sharp from up close. It is this application of paint (and other materials) that is so mesmerizing. It feels most satisfying. Kiefer shows us what an oil painting can be...what an oil painting is. The exhibition runs until July 14th; see a sample of images below:
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