“1024 Colours,” created by Gerhard Richter in 1973, is an exemplary piece of conceptual and optical art. Executed in oil on canvas, this abstract artwork measures 299 x 299 cm and is housed at Kunstmuseen Krefeld in Krefeld, Germany.
The artwork is a large grid composed of 1,024 individually painted colored squares, arranged to create a mesmerizing pattern that challenges the viewer’s perception. The colors, meticulously selected and applied, demonstrate Richter’s exploration of randomness versus order within a rigid structure. The regularity of the grid contrasts with the randomness of color placement, creating a vibrant and dynamic visual experience. The piece exemplifies Richter’s interest in the complexities of seeing, as well as the interplay between color, form, and structure.
