Art Quote by Gerhard Richter
“I wanted to say something different: the pictures are also a leave-taking, in several respects. Factually: these specific persons are dead; as a general statement, death is leave-taking. And then ideologically: a leave-taking from a specific doctrine of salvation and, beyond that, from the illusion that unacceptable circumstances of life can be changed by this conventional expedient of violent struggle.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: 2015, “Gerhard Richter on Painting and Politics”, Artforum
The quote reflects on death as a departure and critiques the belief that violent struggle can change harsh realities, rejecting both doctrinal salvation and the illusion of control.
In simple terms: Death is a departure; violent struggle can't fix life’s harshness.
Key Takeaway
Question the illusion of control through violence.
Themes
death
illusion
politics
art
philosophy
Mood
reflective
critical
somber
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- political protest
- personal reflection
- art criticism
- philosophical discourse
Key Concepts
existentialism
political critique
artistic expression
Questions to Reflect On
- Can we find non‑violent ways to confront unacceptable circumstances?
- What does “leave‑taking” reveal about personal transformation?
A Different Perspective
Violent struggle may sometimes be seen as necessary for change.
