During the preparation of Anselm Kiefer: Solaris at Nijo Castle in Kyoto, Anselm Kiefer was particularly struck by the juxtaposition of two paintings Für E. T. A. Hoffman, 2015-2024, and er hexte eine Schlange aus dem Wasser, 2016.
Featuring pastoral representations of reflection in still water and sculptures of snakes, that are rendered in gold, ultramarine, ochres and creamy whites, these paintings are wonderfully resonant in the natural light of Fergus McCaffrey Tokyo’e exhibition space.
In Japanese culture, snakes are symbolic of wisdom, wealth, transformation, rebirth, and renewal; as well as being messengers of the dieties; and it is particularly fitting that these two works are exhibited publicly for the first time during the Zodiac year of the snake.
