Gerhard Richter, born in Dresden, Germany in 1932, is widely regarded as one of the most important artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. Known for his diverse and innovative approaches to painting, Richter's body of work encompasses various styles including photorealism, abstraction, and conceptual art. His artistic journey began in post-war Germany, where he trained in the East and later defected to the West, an experience that profoundly influenced his artistic perspective.
Richter's oeuvre is characterized by a constant exploration of the possibilities of painting, challenging the boundaries between representation and abstraction. His use of blurred imagery, scraping techniques, and layering of paint create works that are simultaneously ambiguous and deeply resonant. With a career spanning several decades and numerous prestigious awards, including the Golden Lion at the Venice Biennale, Richter's impact on contemporary art is profound, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to inspire artists around the world.