Gerhard Richter (b. 1932) is a German painter and one of the most significant contemporary artists, renowned for his diverse body of work that spans abstraction and photorealism. Born in Dresden, Germany, Richter grew up during World War II and later studied at the Dresden Academy of Fine Arts. In 1959, he fled to West Germany, where he continued to develop his artistic practice.
Richter’s work is characterized by his innovative techniques and a deep exploration of the nature of painting. He gained early fame for his photorealistic paintings, which often depicted photographs and everyday scenes. However, he later transitioned to abstract works, utilizing techniques such as squeegeeing and layering paint, creating complex and textured surfaces.
Throughout his career, Richter has explored themes of memory, history, and perception, often reflecting on the nature of reality and the act of seeing. His iconic works include the "Atlas," a visual diary of photographs and sketches, and the "Cage" series, inspired by the music of John Cage.
Richter's art has been exhibited in major museums and galleries worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Tate Modern in London.