Photographs by Abstract Paintings (937-1 to 4), 2014/15, photographs on Alucobond. Copyright SKD, Gerhard Richter Archive, Photo : Oliver Killig

DRESDEN.- Following the reopening of the Albertinum in June 2010, Gerhard Richter reinstalled both of the exhibition rooms that have been dedicated to him. At the centre of the presentation, which opened to the public on 28 February, is a series of four large-format 'Abstrakten Bildern (937/1-4)' that were created in the last 12 months. Gerhard Richter is also displaying four photo versions of the painting in the original format. The pieces trace back to four photographs taken by a prisoner at the Birkenau Concentration Camp in August 1944. Gerhard Richter had already been studying the pictures for a number of years before he decided to use them as the basis for new paintings last year. In the end, he took an abstract approach to the subject. He had previously explored the National Socialist Holocaust in 1967 and 1997. The materials for these non-realised projects are documented in ATLAS. 

This dialogue between painting and photography has been complemented by further images, mirrors and photographic editions. While the first room contains reflections, sequences and reproductions, the second exhibition room in Dresden initially showcases the '180 Farben (301/1-20)' colour chart from 1971. The artist presented this 20-part work to the Gerhard Richter Archive as a gift in 2013. Other exhibits, including the recently created 'Ella' piece from 2014, which depicts Richter's daughter and the still life 'Tulips' from 1995, illustrate the range of Richter's œuvre. 

The rooms containing the works by Gerhard Richter are an integral part of the New Masters’ Gallery walking tour on the second floor of the Albertinum. 

Gerhard Richter at the Albertinum before the new paintings Abstract paintings (937-1 to 3), 2014. Copyright SKD, Gerhard Richter Archive, Photo: Oliver Killig

The Gerhard Richter Archive is intended as a centre for research and communication concerning the works of this artist and as such it collects and documents all books, catalogues, journals and articles, photographs, videos and CDs that are published about Gerhard Richter or contain relevant information and contributions about him and his artistic context. An important section of the Archive’s holdings contains unpublished writings and documents, correspondence and photographs. In addition, the Gerhard Richter Archive works both independently and in cooperation with other institutions to organise exhibitions and symposia, and it is also producing its own series of publications. The most important research project is the compilation and publication of an academic catalogue raisonné of all of Gerhard Richter’s paintings and sculptures, which will be richly illustrated and will include information about provenance, exhibitions and literature. 

All catalogues relating to solo exhibitions, monographs and doctoral theses concerning Gerhard Richter are held in the Archive. In addition, there are numerous exhibition publications, books and journals containing articles about the artist. In particular, the collection of early catalogues and articles from the 1960s and 1970s is practically exhaustive. 

The Gerhard Richter Archive currently holds approximately 500 letters, manuscripts and other writings, most of which originate from the artist's studio and document, above all, Gerhard Richter’s relationships with his galleries and his Dresden friends in the 1960s and early 1970s. 

Gerhard Richter at the Albertinum with his work Ella. Copyright Gerhard Richter Archives, SKD, Photo: Oliver Killig

The Archive holds approximately 12.000 exhibition reviews and press references dating from between 1962 and the present day. These provide insight into the development of the reception of Gerhard Richter’s oeuvre. 

The photographic archive consists of 12.000 photos. Next to photos of his works, there are also portrait photos, photos of works in progress and of paintings which were later destroyed, views of his studio and photos documenting exhibitions, as well as preparatory photos for later paintings of the artist. 

The Gerhard Richter Archive holds approximately 600 posters, invitation cards and flyers relating to exhibitions by the artist from the early 1960s onwards. 

Meanwhile, the Archive has collected 250 media carriers that contain exhibition reports and detailed film portraits about Gerhard Richter.

Gerhard Richter at the Albertinum at the hanging of the work Ella, Edition 163, 2014 Digital inkjet printing, copyright, SKD, Gerhard Richter Archive, Photo: Oliver Killig