Cents Quote by Gerhard Richter
“Photography has almost no reality; it is almost a hundred per cent picture. And painting always has reality: you can touch the paint; it has presence; but it always yields a picture - no matter whether good or bad. That's all the theory. It's no good. I once took some small photographs and then smeared them with paint. That partly resolved the problem, and it's really good - better than anything I could ever say on the subject.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: 2004, German TV, discussing art theory
The quote argues that photography lacks tactile reality, while painting always has a physical presence, yet both ultimately produce images, highlighting a paradox in visual media.
In simple terms: Photography feels less real than painting, but both end up as pictures.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the materiality of art beyond its visual outcome.
Themes
art theory
visual perception
materiality
paradox
Mood
reflective
critical
contemplative
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- gallery c
- art education
- creative practice
- media criticism
Key Concepts
ontology
phenomenology
aesthetics
Questions to Reflect On
- How does the medium affect your perception of reality?
- Can tactile presence change the meaning of an image?
A Different Perspective
The statement may overlook photography's capacity to capture moments that painting cannot.
