Gerhard Richter: Forty Years Of Painting

by Gerhard Richter (Artist), Robert Storr (Contributor)

Ranging from photo-based pictures to gestural abstraction, Gerhard Richter's diverse body of work calls into question many widely-held attitudes about the importance of stylistic consistency and the relationship of technological means and mass media imagery to traditional studio methods and formats. Unlike many of his peers, he has explored these issues through the medium of painting, challenging it to meet the demands posed by new forms of conceptual art. In every level of his varied output--from his austere photo-based realism of the early 60s, to his brightly colored gestural abstractions of the early 80s, to his notorious cycle of black-and-white paintings of the Baader-Meinhof group--Richter has assumed a critical distance from vanguardists and conservatives alike regarding what painting "should" be. The result has been one of the most convincing renewals of painting's vitality to be found in late twentieth- and early twenty-first-century art. With an extensive and insightful critical essay by curator Robert Storr, a recent interview with the artist, a chronology, an exhibition history and nearly 300 color and duotone reproductions, Gerhard Forty Years of Painting marks a significant contribution to the understanding of contemporary art in general, and Gerhard Richter in particular.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Art Design, Germany

336 pages, Hardcover

First published March 4, 2002

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

[Paul H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

One way that people often dismiss twentieth-century art is to say that you'll never see a soldier crawling through trenches and braving enemy fire to save Damien Hirst's "Physical Impossibility" shark installation from destruction (versus a Caravaggio painting or whatever). Maybe this is true, but I think I would actually risk death to save Richter's "Betty."

[Jamie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very good painter but this is pretty much just an expensive coffee table book. The book includes a good image collection. The text is disappointingly sub-par.

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gave this to roommate as a gift, fortunately read it before he moved out. Huge fan of Richter's breadth and virtuosity. Looking to pick up my own copy eventually. :)

[Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

On a recent trip to St. Louis, I was reminded of this amazing artist. I love how he blurs the line between fine painting and photography. Some of the same reasons why I enjoy Chuck Close.

[Lou · Rating 4 out of 5]

great plates, and a pretty good essay from storr.

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This man is such an inspiration... what a fantastic book.

[William West]

Very fine exhibit. Great catalog.

[Cristina · Rating 1 out of 5]

YAWN!

[Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

I missed the show but have the book.