Richter

German artist Gerhard Richter has broadened the gap between painting and reality through his early photographic paintings, RAF cycle, and late abstract works. He presents the unmatched impact and intensity of painting, demonstrating the medium's liberation from ideological ballast. This is a comprehensive introduction to one of the greatest artists of our time, spanning his entire career and 50 years of cultural, economic, and political events.

Format: Hardback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 14 December 2022
Publisher: Taschen GmbH

German artist Gerhard Richter has revolutionized the relationship between painting and reality through his diverse and influential artistic career. From his early photographic paintings to his renowned RAF cycle and later abstract works, Richter's art consistently presents us with unexpected and unseen perspectives. Initially seeking to liberate the medium from ideological constraints, he has now turned his attention to the profound impact and intensity of painting in the digital age. This comprehensive introduction to Richter spans his entire career, encompassing 50 years of cultural, economic, and political events.

Richter's early photographic paintings marked a significant departure from traditional painting techniques. He explored the possibilities of capturing and manipulating images, blurring the boundaries between reality and representation. His famous RAF cycle, which he began in the 1970s, further pushed the boundaries of painting by incorporating photographs into his compositions. These works blurred the line between the two mediums, creating a sense of ambiguity and uncertainty that resonated with viewers.

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Richter began to experiment with abstract painting. His works were characterized by a loose and expressive style, often featuring blurred and fragmented forms. These paintings explored the relationship between color, texture, and space, and challenged traditional notions of what a painting should be. Richter's abstract works were highly influential and have had a lasting impact on contemporary art.

Throughout his career, Richter has been deeply influenced by various cultural, economic, and political events. His work often reflects the social and political climate of the time, reflecting the tensions and conflicts of the 20th century. For example, his series of paintings titled "The Berlin Wall" (1987) captured the emotional and physical toll of the Berlin Wall on the people of East and West Berlin.

In conclusion, Gerhard Richter is a groundbreaking artist who has transformed the relationship between painting and reality through his diverse and influential career. From his early photographic paintings to his abstract works, Richter's art consistently presents us with unexpected and unseen perspectives. His exploration of the medium's potential has had a profound impact on contemporary art, and his ability to capture the essence of the human experience is truly remarkable.

Weight: 552g
Dimension: 258 x 213 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783836575232