Gerhard Richter
Gerhard Richter, Cloud, 1976
Gerhard Richter (b. 1932) is one of the most influential and versatile artists of the postwar era, renowned for his ability to seamlessly navigate the realms of abstraction and photorealism. Over the course of his extraordinary career, Richter has created works that question the nature of representation, memory, and perception, challenging viewers to reconsider their relationship with both art and the world around them. His emotionally resonant works often blur the boundaries between painting and photography, realism and abstraction, creating a tension that moves and unsettles.
Gerhard Richter, Two Candles, 1982
Born in Dresden, Germany, Richter lived through the turmoil of World War II and the divided nation of East and West Germany. He later moved to Düsseldorf, where he studied and became associated with the German artistic avant-garde. Today, Richter divides his time between his studios in Cologne and the countryside, continuing to create works that speak to the passage of time, the complexity of human experience, and the indelible impact of history.
Gerhard Richter, Abstraktes Bild, 1989
Gerhard Richter’s works remain a profound exploration of the tension between reality and abstraction, and his ability to move audiences with the emotional depth of his paintings has solidified his place as one of the most significant contemporary artists.
Gerhard Richter, Abstraktes Bild, 1991
Richter’s most famous works include his Blurred Photographs and Abstract Paintings, where he applies layers of paint with both precision and randomness. His Candle (1982) is a striking example of his photorealistic mastery, while works such as Abstract Painting (798-1) demonstrate his pioneering approach to abstraction. In his Color Charts series, Richter distills color into pure form, revealing the complex beauty of hue and tone, while his Atlas project—an ongoing collection of photographs and sketches—illustrates his deep engagement with memory, history, and the fleeting nature of truth.
Gerhard Richter, Abstraktes Bild, 1994
Gerhard Richter, Abstraktes Bild, 1989
Gerhard Richter, Abstraktes Bild, 1988
Richter’s work often conveys a sense of emotional distance, but it is precisely this emotional ambiguity that pulls viewers into a deeper, more personal engagement with his art. The stark contrasts in his paintings, along with his signature technique of scraping and smudging paint, create a sense of tension and instability that evokes a range of emotions—from melancholy to awe.