Palmsonntag [Palm Sunday]
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© Anselm Kiefer

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Palmsonntag [Palm Sunday] 2006
  • Artist Rooms
Palmsonntag (Palm Sunday) refers to the Biblical story of Christ’s journey into Jerusalem shortly before his arrest and execution, when worshippers laid palm leaves in his path. Kiefer’s recent installation comprises thirty paintings featuring palm fronds and stems, alongside a palm tree cast in resin. As the prelude towards Christ’s eventual death, the story symbolises for the artist, the moment between triumph and destruction. Laid on the gallery floor, the fallen tree echoes the body of Christ before his resurrection, suggesting both mortality and eventual renewal.

Glossary Open

Cast

The production of a sculpture by use of a mould to make a copy, usually in a more durable material, of the original work. The term is used to describe both the process and the resulting object.

Installation art

An art practice developed in the second half of the 20th century that broke away from the view of a sculpture as a singular object to be looked at. Instead, installation artists create an environment that may surround the viewer. Many are temporary or created for a particular location.

Cast, Installation art

Details

  • Acc. No. AR00038
  • Medium Palm tree and 40 works on fibreboard with clay, paint, shellac, adhesive, metal, palm fronds, fabric and paper
  • Size 71.10 x 55.90 cm (full display dimensions variable)
  • Credit ARTIST ROOMS National Galleries of Scotland and Tate. Acquired jointly through The d'Offay Donation with assistance from the National Heritage Memorial Fund and the Art Fund 2008

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