Kiefer / Van Gogh: Two Visions, One Dialogue

From 28 June to 26 October 2025, the Royal Academy of Arts presents Kiefer / Van Gogh, a major exhibition exploring the enduring influence of Vincent van Gogh on contemporary German artist Anselm Kiefer Hon RA. This will be the first time in the UK that works by these two visionary artists are shown side by side.

The exhibition brings together paintings, drawings and sculptures by Kiefer, including newly created pieces, alongside masterpieces from the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. It offers an unprecedented opportunity to reflect on the shared themes, visual techniques and intellectual depth found in both artists’ work.

Kiefer first encountered Van Gogh at 18, during a trip tracing the artist’s steps through the Netherlands, Belgium and southern France. He produced a series of early drawings during that time, which will be shown here alongside Van Gogh’s own drawings, including the rarely exhibited La Crau Seen from Montmajour (1888).

Kiefer’s admiration for Van Gogh’s composition and emotional depth is especially visible in large-scale works such as The Crows (2019) and Nevermore (2014). Shared motifs such as crows, wheatfields and textured surfaces highlight the dialogue between the two artists, while new works — including a sculpture of a sunflower sprouting from a pile of lead books — symbolise their mutual reverence for literature.

Highlights from Van Gogh include Snow-Covered Field with a Harrow (after Millet) (1890), Field of Irises near Arles(1888), and Piles of French Novels (1887), revealing the painter’s deep engagement with storytelling, nature and everyday life.

This exhibition is curated in collaboration with the Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam. An accompanying catalogue will feature texts by Anselm Kiefer and Simon Schama.

Visitor Information

• Dates: 28 June – 26 October 2025
• Opening Hours: Tues–Sun 10am–6pm; Fridays until 9pm
• Tickets: From £17; half-price for ages 16–25; under 16s and RA Friends go free
• Booking: Recommended at royalacademy.org.uk or via 020 7300 8090

The exhibition is part of a wider celebration of Kiefer’s work in 2025, including a solo show at White Cube Mason’s Yard and his contribution to the Art in Mayfair festival, where his sunflower flags will fly above Bond Street from 16 June to 22 July.

Kiefer / Van Gogh is supported by the Gabrielle Jungels-Winkler Foundation and additional anonymous benefactors.