Big Iron Fist, GermanyAnselm Kiefer · 1980

  • Creation date1980
  • Dimensions84.0 x 59.0 cm

Anselm Kiefer (1945 –)

Explore Anselm Kiefer's monumental paintings & sculptures confronting German history & trauma. Known for ash, straw & powerful symbolism, his work is a visceral experience.

Kiefer recycled his 1969 self-portraits for new works related to the theme of transformation, as conveyed, for example, in the Babylonian epic of Gilgamesh and the Russian Cubo-Futurist poetry of Velimir Khlebnikov (1885–1922). Among his many distinctions, Khlebnikov devised a suprarational, transcendental language termed zaum (or "beyonsense") that was inspirational for artists such as Kazimir Malevich and Vladimir Tatlin. Kiefer read Khlebnikov’s poetry and was attracted to his invention of what the artist called a "huge system, with numbers, about history and battles and wars." The title of this work relates to a debate in West Germany in the early 1980s about increasing contributions for NATO tanks.

About this artwork

  • Title: Big Iron Fist, Germany
  • Artist: Anselm Kiefer
  • Year: 1980
  • Original dimensions: 84.0 x 59.0 cm
  • Format: Portrait
  • Copyright status: Under copyright
  • Color intensity: Monochromatic
  • Perceived brightness: deep_shadow

Questions & Answers

What is the luminance of "Big Iron Fist, Germany" by Anselm Kiefer?

The colors of "Big Iron Fist, Germany" show a soft shadow luminance.

What level of contrast does "Big Iron Fist, Germany" by Anselm Kiefer show?

"Big Iron Fist, Germany" by Anselm Kiefer shows a statement contrast between its light and dark areas.

What was Anselm Kiefer's age when "Big Iron Fist, Germany" was created?

When "Big Iron Fist, Germany" was created in 1980, Anselm Kiefer - born in 1945 - was 35 years old.

Which artist is "Big Iron Fist, Germany" attributed to?

"Big Iron Fist, Germany" was created by Anselm Kiefer. The information on this page describes Anselm Kiefer's original work.

When was "Big Iron Fist, Germany" made?

"Big Iron Fist, Germany" by Anselm Kiefer was created in 1980.

How light is "Big Iron Fist, Germany" overall?

The perceived brightness of "Big Iron Fist, Germany" by Anselm Kiefer is deep_shadow. It can be matched to the light of the intended space.

What color saturation does "Big Iron Fist, Germany" by Anselm Kiefer have?

The palette of "Big Iron Fist, Germany" is muted in saturation.

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