Over Your Cities Grass Will Grow

Over Your Cities Grass Will Grow is an intriguing and fascinating documentary that delves deep into the mind and work of one of the most significant contemporary artists, Anselm Kiefer.

The movie documents the artist's journey of creating his visionary artistic installation in the abandoned silk factory in Barjac, France. The project involved transforming a vast and derelict area into an art piece, a giant sculptural landscape, without any specific plan or limit. The documentary takes its audience through the artist's creative process, where the project lasts almost seven years.

The film is directed by a renowned filmmaker, Sophie Fiennes, who captures every mystical moment of Anselm Kiefer's project with subtlety and poignancy. Her camera work has a deep understanding of the artist's philosophy and is careful to capture the beauty and the intensity of the creative process.

The film focuses primarily on the artist's work and features only a few interviews with some people involved in the project, such as Klaus Dermutz, Anselm Kiefer's assistant, and art investor Bill Katz. The interviews provide background information about the artist's influences and motivations, but the focus is always on the artwork.

Throughout the film, we witness various stages of the project: the excavation of the site, the pouring of huge concrete sculptures, the creation of tunnels, the building of bridges, and the placement of enormous lead sheets painted with poetic verses. We also see the chaos and destruction of the site and the people working on it, and the beauty and harmony that gradually manifest through the creative process.

Perhaps the most captivating aspect of the movie is Anselm Kiefer's artwork, which is magnificent in its scale and complexity. His work is deeply influenced by German history, culture, and myth. His pieces are made from materials like lead, concrete, steel, and pottery, which he transforms into a deeply poetic visual language. His sculptures are ominous and foreboding, each carrying their own potent symbolism.

The artwork reflects Anselm Kiefer's interest in the romantic and dark history of Germany, the brutality of the Second World War, and the inevitability of decay and destruction. His art is bold and expressive, and through his work, he creates a world that is both apocalyptic and sublime.

The documentary also provides a glimpse into the artist's life outside of his creative work. We see Anselm Kiefer's quiet and contemplative nature and the challenges he faces in creating such monumental artwork. The film also provides insight into his inspiration and emotional engagement with his work.

Over Your Cities Grass Will Grow is a visually stunning film that captures the essence of one of the most enigmatic and important artists of our time. The film offers the viewer a unique glimpse into the depth and complexity of Anselm Kiefer's work and mind.

In conclusion, Over Your Cities Grass Will Grow is an insightful and absorbing meditation of an artist in the creative process. It showcases the patience, passion, and commitment that go into creating powerful and evocative artwork. The film speaks volumes about the power of art to transform and enrich our lives and provides an unparalleled opportunity to see one of the world's most significant contemporary artists at work.