Gallery opening in Paris
Ropac gallery opens new space in Pantin with Anselm Kiefer
Anselm Kiefer, Für Rabbi Loew (2010-2012), Oil, emulsion, acrylic, shellac, iron, electrolysis residue and salt on canvas, Courtesy of the artists & Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac, Paris/Salzburg
To inaugurate the gallery space at Pantin, Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac is presenting a new series of works by Anselm Kiefer since last weekend.
The title Die Ungeborenen [The Unborn] encompasses a collection of monumental canvases and sculptures, which reference the artist’s interest in the origin and creation of life, referencing well-known myths and iconography. Through the new works, Kiefer explores the hybrid sphere of non-belonging, in which life and unborn life are an intermediate world dominated by the question of why one is and where one belongs. Through this concept, the artist considers the theological concept of limbo, the region on the border of Hell, the abode of souls awaiting entrance into Heaven.
The narrative basis for these new works includes Jewish myths surrounding the figure of Lilith, New Testament references to creating children from stones, the alchemistic legend of the Golem, the idea of witches' scales, the myth of the birth of Venus and the tales of Ergot.
Thaddaeus Ropac Gallery open its new exhibition space in Pantin, north east of Paris. The new gallery will be located in a former boilermaking factory from the 19th century and will host monumental works, as stated by the gallery’s press release. “We created this new space which will give the artists the opportunity to realize their vision without the usual restrictions of space.” explained Thaddaeus Ropac.
Architect agency Buttazzoni & Associés (whose members have already redesigned the first Ropac gallery in Paris) was tasked with redeveloping the former factory’s buildings without undermining the building’s historical character. With a 2,000 m2 exhibition space, the new gallery is divided into four naves whose floor-to-ceiling heights reach between seven and twelve metres. Convertible walls will enable it to adapt to large-scale exhibitions or to present several exhibitions simultaneously. In addition to the main exhibition halls, another four buildings will host private viewing rooms, archives, offices, a space for performances, dance, lectures, conferences, screenings and other activities meant for a large audience.
The new gallery will be located in a former boilermaking factory from the 19th century and will host monumental works
