Richter’s 2001 abstractions are characterized by their dense, multi-layered surfaces. Using a homemade —a large wooden plank with a rubber edge—Richter would drag wet oil paint across the canvas, partially obscuring the layers beneath while revealing unexpected "accidents" of color and texture.
While Richter is often associated with heavy historical themes (like his October 18, 1977 cycle), his abstract works from 2001 offer a different kind of engagement. They provide what curators call a "satisfaction" in the . These works aren't meant to be "decoded"; they are meant to be experienced as pure visual phenomena—much like looking at a weathered wall or a natural landscape. Seeing the Work Today Pleasure #162 (2001)
In the world of contemporary art, few names command as much reverence as . By the time 2001 arrived, Richter was already a titan of both photo-realism and abstraction. However, his work from this specific year represents a peak in his "squeegee" technique—a method that famously balances high-precision control with the beauty of pure chance. A Year of Artistic Transition They provide what curators call a "satisfaction" in the