* Growing up in postwar Germany: Born in 1945, Kiefer lived through the immediate aftermath of World War II. The devastation and trauma of the war, particularly the Holocaust, were deeply felt in his family and community. This experience left an indelible mark on his psyche, becoming a recurring theme in his art.
* A rural upbringing: Kiefer grew up in a small village in the German countryside. This experience fostered a connection to nature and a deep respect for the cyclical rhythms of life and death, elements that are evident in his artwork.
* Family and faith: Kiefer's father was a devout Catholic, and his family's faith played a significant role in his upbringing. While later challenging some aspects of organized religion, Kiefer's early exposure to Catholicism contributed to his interest in mythology, symbolism, and the search for meaning in a troubled world.
* Early artistic inclinations: Even as a child, Kiefer demonstrated a strong interest in art. He would spend hours sketching and experimenting with different materials, foreshadowing his later fascination with large-scale and unconventional art practices.
However, it's important to note that Kiefer's childhood wasn't necessarily idyllic. His father's strict discipline and the ongoing shadow of the war likely contributed to a sense of unease and introversion that would later find expression in his art.
Overall, Anselm Kiefer's childhood was deeply shaped by the historical context of postwar Germany, his rural upbringing, and his family's religious beliefs. These elements, combined with his natural artistic inclinations, laid the foundation for the complex and challenging artistic journey that he would undertake throughout his life.