Atlas: Of the Photographs Collages and Sketches

by Gerhard Richter, Lenbachhaus Munich (Editor), Helmut Friedel

[Cited in Martin Parr and Gerry Badger, The A History, Volume II. (London and New Phaidon, 2006).] From the "In this groundbreaking assemblage of both found and created photographs, Gerhard Richter attempts to find order among our culture's overflow of random images. Atlas is among the most ambitious and engaging documents of our time."

Genres: Art, Photography, Art and Photography

387 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1997

About the author

German visual artist. Richter has produced abstract as well as photorealistic paintings, and also photographs and glass pieces. He is widely regarded as one of the most important contemporary German artists and several of his works have set record prices at auction.

Reviews

[Danny · Rating 5 out of 5]

In which the long slow burn of Richter’s genius is revealed, one panel at a time.

[Esther Hong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Photography, 2008 - thanks, Ms Bashford.

[Stephen Schenkenberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Richter, quoted in "Atlas":

Do you know what was just great? — To notice that such a stupid, absurd little act like copying a postcard can result in a painting. And then the freedom to be able to paint what’s fun. Deer, aeroplanes, kings, secretaries. Not having to invent anything any longer, forgetting everything one understands by the concept of painting: colour, composition, spatial depth; and everything else that one knew and thought. That was suddenly no longer a prerequisite for art.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't spend all that much time with this book before getting it back to the library, but it's gotta be a five star just because it's an amazing documentation project of an amazing artist. Between having my day job and not having a studio at this point, I feel I don't really live with my art. Looking at "Atlas" (& "the Daily Practice") makes you realize how he lives and breathes the process of making art.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

A collection of material, photographic and compositional, from Gerhard Richter's world-touring Atlas exhibition. Fascinating source imagery, much of which turned up in his paintings, defines this beautiful and inspiring book.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

great detail of the artist's process - don't expect big colour plates of richter's work here, but do expect to have a greater understanding of what makes him tick.

[J'lyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing.

[Donald · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great night stand book, wonderful images and landscapes of unfurling histories.

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was wonderful to reexamine his work through the photographs. Some are perfectly ordinary, others show a lot of thinking. I especially like where he plans out exhibits.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Look, Susan, I'm trying...adding books.

My reveiw: You don't need anything but pictures

[Jamil · Rating 3 out of 5]

analog tumblr

[William Lazarus Wacker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genius. Hoarder.