A leading figure in contemporary art

Gerhard Richter is considered one of the most outstanding artists in modern German art and is recognized worldwide as one of the most important of his generation. Born in Dresden in 1932, the artist initially began studying painting in his hometown before continuing his education at the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf. Later, he was appointed as a professor of painting there.

Gerhard Richter: Wolke (411), 1976, Oil oin canvas, 200 x 300 cm

Variety as an artistic hallmark

What sets Richter’s work apart is his remarkable stylistic versatility. He effortlessly shifts between various techniques, themes, and motifs, making his œuvre particularly exciting and unpredictable. Whether photorealism, abstract painting, or installations—Richter has never confined himself to a single style. His ability to oscillate between figurative and abstract representation allows him to escape fixed categorization, leaving his multifaceted work constantly open to new interpretations and developments.

Capitalist Realism and abstraction: Two worlds united

In the 1960s, Richter co-founded the so-called Capitalist Realism, a movement that emerged in response to the socialist realism of East Germany and the pop art of the West. This movement, shaped by Richter alongside renowned artists like Sigmar Polke and Konrad Lueg, questioned the role of consumer culture and mass media in society. He later turned more to abstract painting, developing a unique process of applying, scraping off, and reapplying paint. These abstract works are characterized by dynamic color structures and the element of creative chance.

Painting as the central theme of his work

A recurring theme throughout Richter’s body of work is his ongoing exploration of painting itself. For him, painting is not just a medium but the central subject of his art. Through continuous investigation and exploration of this medium’s possibilities, Richter seeks to challenge the boundaries of perception and gain deeper insights into the world through painting. This reflection on the act of painting gives his works a profound depth, encouraging viewers to contemplate the role of art in the perception of reality.

International recognition and lasting influence

Gerhard Richter’s works have been exhibited in the world’s most prestigious museums and galleries. Through retrospectives and international exhibitions, he has secured a lasting place in the history of contemporary art. His unique blend of photorealistic and abstract elements, paired with a critical reflection on painting, has established him as a prominent figure in the global art world.

Gerhard Richter: Abstraktes Bild (457-5), 1980, Oil on canvas, 60 x 85 cm

Richter's Legacy: Art as a Constant Process

Gerhard Richter is an artist who never stands still. His continuous shift between figurative and abstract art, his refusal to be confined by rigid categorization, and his deep engagement with painting as a subject make him a role model for future generations of artists. Richter’s œuvre is not only a significant contribution to the art history of the 20th and 21st centuries but also a perpetual process of discovery and reflection that will continue to influence the art world for a long time.

Gerhard Richter at Hatje Cantz

Several of the most important publications on Gerhard Richter have been published by Hatje Cantz, created in close collaboration with the artist himself. These works not only offer deep insights into Richter’s art but also comprehensively document his artistic development and the diversity of his styles.

The extensive art book Gerhard Richter. Verborgene Schätze. Werke aus rheinischen Privatsammlungen highlights the importance of the Rhineland for Richter’s artistic development after his relocation from Dresden in 1961. In the dynamic art scenes of Düsseldorf and Cologne, Richter found an inspiring environment. The publication presents around 100 works from 40 private collections, documenting Richter’s journey from early paintings to his last abstract works in 2017.

Another highlight is the Catalogue Raisonné, a six-volume collection detailing Richter’s complete works from 1962 to 2019, regarded as an essential reference. The six volumes can also be purchased individually.

As a complement to this comprehensive retrospective, the Gerhard Richter Bibliography offers a complete collection of all texts, articles, and exhibitions related to Richter’s work.

Header Image: Gerhard Richter © David Pinzer