Anselm Kiefer Yields to Temptation

Kiefer fans might be surprised by his recent show, "Transition from Cool to Warm". Many pieces are playful, sensuous and erotic, filled with orgasmic women and flowers. In a letter Kiefer says, "Never have I had such doubts. What is it with colors everywhere? Have I succumbed to temptation? Have I become an affirmative painter?" I laughed when I read that, but I also had to pause recognizing the range of his art. I am reminded of Oscar Wilde. "The only way to get rid of temptation is to yield to it."