This monograph traces Anselm Kiefer's development as an artist with reference to four major blocks of works which reflect the most important currents in Kiefer's complex oeuvre: The presentation begins with works from the early seventies, his so- called "Dachboden-Bilder" ("Attic Images"). A second block presented under the title "Steinerne Hallen" ("Stone Halls") focuses on the often discussed "Memorials to the Unknown Painter" completed during the first half of the eighties. The next chapter deals with the archaic-looking clay architectures created by Kiefer during the nineties, and is followed by the "Images of the Cosmos and Constellations" of the years 1995-2001. These four phases document Kiefer's development from the intimate "Attic Images" to the endless expanse of the universe, his progress from microcosm to macrocosm, so to speak, and his eventual return to earth with the monumental "Sunflower Paintings." Representing a fifth part, the essay by author Christoph Ransmayr and the photographs of Thomas Flechtner focus on the glass architectures, underground corridor systems, and installations realized at Kiefer's studio estate in Barjac since 1993. (German edition available 3-7757-1124-4) The artist: Anselm Kiefer, born 1945 in Donaueschingen. Studied art at the Staatliche Hochschule der Bildenden Künste in Freiburg with Peter Dreher, in Karlsruhe with Horst Antes and subsequently at the Kunstakademie in Düsseldorf with Joseph Beuys from 1966-1972. 1977, 1982 and 1987, participation at documenta 6, 7 and 8. 1987- 1989, touring exhibition in the USA. 1991, retrospective at the Nationalgalerie in Berlin. Lives and works in France. ((BU)) ((Zitat)) "I see my pictures as ruins or building blocks that can be put together. They are materials used to build something, but they are imperfect. They are closer to nothingness than to perfection." Anselm Kiefer ((Punkte)) * offers a broad survey of Kiefer's complex oeuvre * the very first documentation of works at Kiefer's studio estate in La Ribaute * includes very recent works by the artist created specifically for this project ((Seitenzahl)) 22/23 ((Kolumne)) Contemporary Art