Page opening 5 from "The Heavenly Palaces: Merkabah" 1990

Editor: Here we have Anselm Kiefer's "Page opening 5 from 'The Heavenly Palaces: Merkabah.'" It's a large work, almost like a wall fragment. What's your take on this rather imposing piece? Curator: Kiefer often grapples with themes of history, memory, and trauma. Considering Germany's past, this work might be seen as an exploration of cultural ruins and the weight of inherited narratives. How does the idea of "heavenly palaces" contrast with the rough materiality? Editor: That contrast is stark. It feels like a broken promise, almost. Curator: Exactly! And what does it tell us about power, belief, and the potential for both destruction and transcendence? It's an invitation to reflect on the very foundations of our societies. Editor: It's given me a lot to think about regarding collective memory and representation. Curator: Indeed. Art as a space for difficult dialogues is essential.