Essenz and Ek-sistenz

In Essence, the German word "Ex-sistenz" appears on each of several mountains rendered in plan view in thick white acrylic, and the word "ESSENZ" is rendered in black, the letters moving across the surface and weaving in and out of the mountains. Here, as in the accompanying work, Essence/Ex-sistence, Kiefer has used both graphic means and language to symbolize the German philosopher Martin Heidegger's ideas. Essence, it is suggested, occupies no particular material place, while existence has palpable physical presence.

Here the German word "Ek-sistenz" is written at the mountain top, and "ESSENZ" assumes a fluid form, suggesting that it does not occupy any particular firm position. As in Essence, graphic means and language combine to allude to the ideas of German philosopher Martin Heidegger

Essence/Ex-sistence
"Essenz /Ek-sistenz"
1975. Watercolor and gouache on paper
Inscribed upper right in gouache: Ek-sistenz
Inscribed lower center in watercolor: Essenz
Inscribed lower left in watercolor: für Julia [for Julia]
11 3/4 x 15 5/8 in. (29.8 x 39.7 cm)
Purchase, The Barnett Newman Foundation Gift, 1995
1995.14.17

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