Anselm Kiefer’s The Seven Heavenly Palaces is not just an installation; it is a profound journey through history, spirituality, and the human quest for meaning. Conceived in 2004 for the opening of Pirelli HangarBicocca, this permanent site-specific work is a monumental reflection on the intersection of art, philosophy, and religion. Drawing inspiration from the ancient Hebrew treatise Sefer Hechalot, the “Book of Palaces,” Kiefer transforms a seemingly abstract concept into a visceral visual experience.

An Artistic Interpretation of Ancient Spirituality

The name The Seven Heavenly Palaces comes from the symbolic palaces described in the 5th-6th century Sefer Hechalot. This ancient text, central to Jewish mysticism, describes a spiritual journey toward divine proximity. In Kiefer’s hands, this journey is embodied in towering structures—vast, sculptural, and imposing—where each “palace” represents a stage of spiritual initiation. The installation immerses viewers in a world of contemplation, questioning humanity’s eternal relationship with the divine and the mysteries of existence.

A Synthesis of Kiefer’s Artistic Themes

The installation represents the culmination of Kiefer’s career up to that point, weaving together several of his recurring themes: the aftermath of war, the ruins of Western Civilization, and the tension between destruction and renewal. The structure is vast and imposing, evoking a sense of both awe and decay. At first glance, the seven “palaces” appear as monumental, crumbling ruins, evoking the destruction wrought by the Second World War. Yet these ruins are not merely negative symbols; they are also gateways to understanding the present and future. Through this installation, Kiefer invites the viewer to confront the fragility of civilization while contemplating the possibility of spiritual and philosophical ascension.

Expanding the Vision: New Canvases and Reflections

Since 2015, The Seven Heavenly Palaces has been enriched by five large canvases created by Kiefer between 2009 and 2013. These works—Jaipur (2009), Cette obscure clarté qui tombe des étoiles (2011), Alchemie (2012), and Die Deutsche Heilslinie (2012-2013)—add a new layer of meaning to the installation. These paintings, displayed in the “Navate” space at HangarBicocca, expand the themes of the original installation, further exploring the relationship between man, nature, and the divine. Kiefer connects the celestial and the earthly, blending history, mythology, and science into a cohesive whole.

In these new works, the artist continues to investigate the idea of architecture as an attempt to reach the divine, echoing the towering, otherworldly structures that permeate The Seven Heavenly Palaces. However, with the introduction of the paintings, Kiefer also delves deeper into themes of cosmic order, astronomy, and the ever-present search for knowledge. His use of large-scale architecture and celestial motifs evokes the ambition of humankind to understand the universe—both scientifically and spiritually.

Reflections on Western Civilization and Philosophy

A key element of The Seven Heavenly Palaces is its commentary on Western civilization, specifically the intellectual history of the West. Kiefer references Western philosophy’s exploration of the divine, knowledge, and humanity’s place in the cosmos. His works draw on the history of ideas—philosophers such as Nietzsche, Hegel, and Heidegger—whose thoughts on the individual, the state, and the divine provide an intellectual backdrop to Kiefer’s visual explorations.

In this sense, The Seven Heavenly Palaces is not just a commentary on the spiritual but also a reflection on the intellectual underpinnings of Western thought. The “palaces” act as both ruins of past civilizations and symbols of humanity’s ongoing desire to transcend the material world, to seek enlightenment, and to engage with the unknown.

A Timeless Dimension: Confronting the Present Through the Past

Kiefer’s installation speaks to both the past and the future, inviting viewers to confront the fragility of civilization while considering the ongoing trajectory of human progress. The monumental scale of The Seven Heavenly Palaces forces the viewer to engage with the work physically, to step inside the piece and contemplate its deeper meanings. The presence of the large canvases and their astronomical and philosophical themes only enhances the complexity of the installation, creating a timeless dialogue between man, nature, and the divine.

 

Through his visionary work, Anselm Kiefer offers more than just a commentary on the spiritual; he challenges us to consider our place in history, our relationship with the cosmos, and our search for knowledge. The Seven Heavenly Palaces remains a masterful synthesis of art, spirituality, and intellectual history, encouraging viewers to reflect on the human condition and the infinite possibilities of the universe.