Watch Gerhard Richter Painting

Gerhard Richter Painting is a documentary film from 2011 that presents an intimate portrait of one of the world's most important living artists, Gerhard Richter. Directed by Corinna Belz, the film follows the artist as he prepares for a series of exhibitions and provides a unique glimpse into his creative process. The film opens with Richter in his studio, as he prepares to begin work on a new series of paintings. The camera lingers on the large canvases hanging on the walls of his studio, and we catch a glimpse of the artist's vast collection of carefully arranged paint tubes and brushes. Richter is soft-spoken and introspective, and as he begins to work on his paintings, we see a man who is fully absorbed in the act of creation.

The film is structured around Richter's preparation for a series of exhibitions at galleries in Berlin, London, and New York. We see him selecting works to show, discussing the layouts with the curators, and overseeing the installation of the shows. Through it all, Richter remains focused on his work, which is both thoughtful and deeply personal.

One of the most interesting aspects of the film is the way it portrays Richter's process of making art. It's clear that he takes a very intuitive approach to his work, often starting with an idea or an image in mind, but remaining open to the possibility of change as the work progresses. We see him scraping away layers of paint, experimenting with new techniques, and making bold compositional choices, all in an effort to create something fresh and new.

The film also gives us a sense of Richter's broader artistic philosophy. He's not interested in making grand statements or in adhering to any particular ideology. Instead, he sees his role as an artist as being one of exploration and experimentation, a constant search for new ways to communicate through his work. It's an approach that has served him well, as he has become one of the most respected and influential artists of his generation.

Throughout the film, we also get to know some of the people who have played key roles in Richter's life and work. There's Norbert Arns, his long-time studio assistant, who has worked with him for over thirty years and provides invaluable support and advice. There's Hubert Becker, a former student of Richter's who has gone on to become a prominent curator and critic. And there's also Richter's ex-wife, Ema, who provides insight into the artist's personal life and the challenges he has faced along the way.

Ultimately, Gerhard Richter Painting is a fascinating portrait of a complex and gifted artist at work. Richter is a man who has achieved enormous success, yet remains entirely devoted to his craft. The film is a testament to his passion and dedication, and to the power of art to move and inspire us. Whether you're a fan of Richter's work or just curious about the creative process, this is a film that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Gerhard Richter Painting is a 2011 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 77.