Merkaba

The German artist considers the Jewish culture-cancelled by the Nazi madness-to be part of the German national culture. Kiefer has devoted a monumental installation to the Seven Heavenly Palaces, now on permanent display at the Hangar Bicocca of Milan. The Sefer Hekalot (the book of the palaces), which is an ancient Hebrew treatise that dates back to the fifth or sixth century after Christ, as well as the complex architecture of the Skies and the direct experience of the presence of God describe the path of spiritual initiation for those who want to reach the presence of God: first, they have to cross the seven skies and the seven heavenly halls (or palaces), and then, they'll be able to cross the threshold if they elude the surveillance of the angels that guard them with hymns, magical words and symbols.