Gerhard Richter: 100 Works for Berlin Exhibition at Neue Nationalgalerie
Since April 1, 2023, the Neue Nationalgalerie in Berlin has been hosting a landmark exhibition titled "Gerhard Richter: 100 Works for Berlin." This exhibition represents the first comprehensive public display of a significant long-term loan of artworks from the Gerhard Richter Art Foundation to the Nationalgalerie. It features 100 works spanning various creative phases of Gerhard Richter’s prolific career and offers an intimate look into the depth and evolution of his art Neue Nationalgalerie.
The Birkenau Series: A Powerful Reflection on the Holocaust
At the heart of this exhibition lies Richter’s poignant "Birkenau" series (2014), one of his most profound artistic investigations into the Holocaust's memory and representation. This cycle consists of four large-format abstract paintings derived from photographs taken at the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. Richter transferred these images onto canvas using charcoal and oil paint before gradually obscuring them with layers of abstract paint. This process of layering and fading gradually renders the original imagery invisible, symbolizing the tension between memory and oblivion. Opposite the Birkenau canvases, a large, four-part mirror adds a reflective dimension to the installation, encouraging viewers to confront and reflect upon the weighty historical subject Vernissage TV David Zwirner.
Diverse Works Highlighting Artistic Evolution
Beyond the Birkenau series, the exhibition showcases other pivotal works including Squatters’ House (1989), 4,900 Colors (2007), and Strip (2013/2016). Notably, a substantial collection of Richter’s overpainted photographs are exhibited, demonstrating his innovative tension between photography and painting, explored with fresh perspectives throughout his career. This dialogue between abstraction and figuration is a recurrent theme that runs through Richter’s oeuvre visitBerlin Art Limited.
Collaborative Curatorial Effort
The exhibition was developed in close partnership with Richter himself and curated by Joachim Jäger and Maike Steinkamp. Their curatorial approach not only honors Richter's legacy but also situates his work in an ever-changing contemporary context, inviting ongoing reinterpretation by artists and audiences alike. The show runs until September 2026, symbolizing a long-term commitment to presenting Richter’s work within Berlin’s rich cultural landscape Museumsportal Berlin.
Connection to the Paris Retrospective
During the period of the Paris retrospective at the Fondation Louis Vuitton, Richter’s Birkenau series will be temporarily on loan to Paris, emphasizing the importance and circulation of these works in international venues. This shared presence between two major exhibitions underscores the global relevance of Richter’s engagement with history and memory Fondation Louis Vuitton.
FAQ
Q1: What is the "Gerhard Richter: 100 Works for Berlin" exhibition about?
A1: It is a comprehensive exhibition displaying 100 works from different phases of Richter’s career, including paintings, overpainted photographs, and the significant Birkenau series, held at the Neue Nationalgalerie in Berlin.
Q2: What is the Birkenau series?
A2: The Birkenau series comprises four large-scale abstract paintings based on Auschwitz-Birkenau photographs, reflecting Richter’s artistic exploration of the Holocaust through layers of obscured imagery.
Q3: When does the exhibition run, and will the Birkenau series be on display the entire time?
A3: The exhibition runs from April 1, 2023, through September 2026. The Birkenau paintings will be temporarily loaned to the Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris during the Paris retrospective running until early 2026.
Q4: Who curated the exhibition?
A4: The curators are Joachim Jäger and Maike Steinkamp, in close collaboration with Gerhard Richter.
Q5: Where can I find more information about this exhibition?
A5: Official information is available on the Neue Nationalgalerie website and platforms such as Vernissage TV, David Zwirner, and visitBerlin.
This exhibition represents a unique and profound insight into Gerhard Richter’s engagement with history, memory, and abstraction, set against the cultural backdrop of Berlin’s art scene.