I was interested in transcendence from a very early age. I was interested in what was over there, what was behind life. So when I had my first communion I was very disappointed. I had expected something amazing and surprising and spiritual. Instead all I got was a bicycle. That wasn't what I was after at all.
Anselm KieferWhen I see a new artist I give myself a lot of time to reflect and decide whether it's art or not.
Anselm KieferArt really is something very difficult. It is difficult to make, and it is sometimes difficult for the viewer to understand. It is difficult to work out what is art and what is not art.
Anselm KieferBecause of my Calvinistic upbringing, I was trained to think that what you do has to have a purpose.
Anselm Kiefer