Andrew Lambirth

Escape from reality

Gerhard Richter Portraits<br /> National Portrait Gallery, until 31 May George Always: Portraits of George Melly by Maggi Hambling<br /> Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool, until 31 May

issue 14 March 2009

Gerhard Richter Portraits
National Portrait Gallery, until 31 May

George Always: Portraits of George Melly by Maggi Hambling
Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool, until 31 May

Gerhard Richter (born 1932) is one of the most influential figures in the art world. This show of his portraits is slightly more enlivening than his recent coloured-panel exhibition at the Serpentine, but don’t expect fireworks. Richter offers a subdued measure, a restricted purchase on the world of paint. He has said, ‘I don’t think the painter need either see or know the sitter. A portrait must not express anything of the sitter’s “soul”, essence or character.’ So what’s the point, then?

Richter’s popularity is a symptom of our own unease, our fear and distrust of reality, and our lack of any belief system to sustain us against this malaise. His blurring of photographic images blurs the pain, like an anaesthetic.

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