14.2.88 1988

Gerhard Richter made this painting, titled 14.2.88, from oil on canvas. The canvas is almost completely covered in vivid red paint, applied so thickly that it forms a heavily textured surface. Richter is renowned for his experimental approach to painting, and here we see a process-oriented approach. The paint is dragged and layered, creating a sense of depth and movement. The thick impasto is not just a visual element but an essential part of the work's meaning. Richter's engagement with materials reflects a broader dialogue within the art world, challenging traditional hierarchies between fine art and craft. By focusing on the materiality of paint, he draws attention to the labor and physical processes inherent in art-making. This approach invites us to consider the social and economic implications of artistic production. Ultimately, this painting reminds us that art is not just about representation or aesthetics. It’s also about the materials, the making, and the context in which art is created.