Gerhard Richter Painting

The Brief

A rare encounter with one of the greatest artists of our time. What really happens inside the studio of an artist like Gerhard Richter – one of the world’s most important living painters? Born in 1934, the German artist has spent more than half a century exploring an extraordinary range of styles and techniques, developing unique methods of applying paint to canvas – using brushes, palette knives, or squeegees. This documentary offers a rare and intimate glimpse into Richter’s studio for the first time in decades. In his Cologne workspace, a normally private and closed-off world is opened to us – allowing us to witness the creative process as it unfolds. Director Corinna Belz lets the camera quietly observe paintings in progress, layer by layer, as Richter works on his signature abstract compositions. The result feels like stepping into a museum brought to life. The film moves between these focused moments of creation, archival footage, and conversations with critics. At the same time, we encounter the artist as he is today: calm, reflective, and unpretentious. As Richter himself notes, a painting can be created in just a few hours – and just as quickly lose all value. For anyone curious about the inner life of art, this is a rare opportunity: to step inside the studio of one of the most important artists of our time and experience art as it comes into being. Art on Film Art on Film is presented and curated in collaboration with The Art Trotter – a digital platform for art communication that makes learning about art simple and engaging, through insights, experiences, and a vibrant community. Good to know: * Languages: German, English * Subtitles: English