Famous German abstract painter and one of the leading figures of the art world, Gerhard Richter, turned 80 years old earlier this year. If you’ve been to a museum lately, you’ve probably seen one of his signature colorful smeared canvases as many museums seem to have a Richter on display. If he’s not yet a common name in your household, now’s the time to get to know Gerhard Richter. Even an armchair viewing of his current solo exhibition via the Internet will help you do just that.

Elizabeth I, 1966 by Gerhard Richter image: Tate.org

Organized by the Tate Modern in London, the exhibition (next on display in Paris this summer) spans almost five decades and is a major retrospective that groups together significant points in the timeline of his impressive career.

Abstract Painting, 1990 by Gerhard Richter image: Tate.org

The Tate describes Richter as, “…known for the diversity of his approaches to painting. His practice can seem to be structured by various oppositions, with paintings after photographs countering abstract pictures; traditional still-lifes alongside highly charged subjects; monochrome grey works and multicoloured grids. Some paintings are planned out and ordered; others are the result of unpredictable accumulations of marks and erasures. Even a single painting can seem contradictory, with some areas seeming gestural, and other parts almost mechanic.”

Abstract Painting (726) , 1990 by Gerhard Richter image: Tate.org

“The title of this exhibition, Gerhard Richter: Panorama, evokes the intention to look around at the range of Richter’s practice, discovering contradictions and connections, continuities and breaks. Each room is devoted to a particular moment of his career. While the focus is on painting, the exhibition also features glass constructions, mirrors, drawings and photographs.”

11 Panes, 2004 by Gerhard Richter

11 Panes, 2004 by Gerhard Richter

“Lovers of the epic beauty of Rothko, Twombly and Hodgkin will have much to enjoy, as will those who appreciate striking portraiture or the crystal-clear precision of photorealism.”

Abstract Painting (Skin) (887-3), 2004 by Gerhard Richter

Abstract Painting (Skin) (887-3), 2004 by Gerhard Richter

In addition to solo exhibitions in Paris, Beirut, Ecuador and Berlin this year, Richter ‘s work will be featured in group exhibitions in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, Belgium, the UK, Hong Kong, New Orleans, Minneapolis, New York, Chicago, and Maine.

Curtain, 2012 by Gerhard Richter Image: Gerhard-Richter.com

Get out there and get to know a living legend of the fine art world, Gerhard Richter!

Related articles

• Is it worth all the hype? – Gerhard Richter’s Panorama (myartexperience.wordpress.com)
• Gerhard Richter Mobbed by Paparazzi as Retrospective Opens in Berlin (artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com)
• New Gerhard Richter Documentary Shows Abstract Art in Action (wired.com)