About Gerhard Richter

Gerhard Richter, born in 1932 in Dresden, Germany, is one of the most influential figures in post-war art, known for his groundbreaking paintings, prints, and editions that have shaped contemporary visual culture. His artwork transcends stylistic boundaries, shifting between photorealism and abstraction in an ongoing exploration of perception and representation. Early in his career, Richter created blurred photorealistic paintings based on found photographs, a technique that questioned the reliability of imagery and redefined the relationship between reality and reproduction.

Throughout his career, Richter has continued to challenge the limits of painting while developing a parallel fascination with the possibilities of reproduction. His abstract art, characterized by the use of a squeegee to drag and layer paint, reflects his interest in the balance between chance and control. This approach not only revolutionized contemporary abstraction but also demonstrated his belief that each medium — whether painting or print — can reveal a different truth about seeing and meaning.

Few artists value the work with editions as deeply as Gerhard Richter. For him, editions are not mere reproductions but an essential extension of his creative vision. His limited edition prints, photographs, and multiples echo themes from his paintings while asserting their own originality, reinforcing his commitment to making high-quality, accessible works that reach beyond the confines of the unique object. This dedication to both painting and edition work defines Richter’s oeuvre and secures his legacy as one of the most versatile and conceptually profound artists of his time.

Notable exhibitions

Gerhard Richter’s artworks are held in major collections worldwide and have been the focus of numerous retrospectives at leading international institutions, including the Neue Nationalgalerie in Berlin (2023), The National Museum of Modern Art in Tokyo (2022), The Museum of Modern Art in New York (2002), and the Centre Pompidou in Paris (1977, 2012).

These landmark exhibitions have traced the evolution of his practice, from early photorealistic works to his groundbreaking abstractions, underscoring his enduring influence on the trajectory of contemporary art. Through both his unique paintings and art editions, Richter continues to inspire generations of artists and collectors, solidifying his position as one of the most significant figures of the 20th and 21st centuries.