CORY REYNOLDS | DATE 10/1/2012

Gerhard Richter: Patterns Featured in Time Magazine

In this week's Time Magazine, reporter Belinda Luscombe interviews German artist Gerhard Richter on the occasion of his current exhibition at Marian Goodman Gallery and the concurrent release of his related artist's book, Patterns. When asked, "Your new series of paintings and the book about them, Patterns, depict rows of thin stripes. How did you create them?" Richter replies, "I played. My friend bought a painting, and he bought me a good reproduction--a wonderful poster. And it attracted me. I started to play with a mirror. I doubled and shrank and divided and mirrored and divided. It was like a gift which I didn't design. I like it a lot when I get something by chance." When Luscombe asks, "How would you respond to people who say they look like wrapping paper?" Richter replies, "They are right. It's very decorative. I am fascinated by [composer] John Cage, and he says it well: 'I have nothing to say, so I say it.' Customs agents asked me at the airport, 'What do you do?' and I said, 'I have a show here.' And I showed them the invitation, and they said, 'Meh, Christmas box.' We had fun." Featured image is a detail from Gerhard Richter: Patterns.