Gerhard Richter’s painting “Administrative Building” is an oil on linen creation widely recognized as one of the most important works in Post-War German Art. Painted in 1964, the artwork measures 38 9/16 × 59 1/16 inches (98 × 150 cm) and belongs to the paintings’ classification.
What immediately stands out in this piece is its lack of figuration or recognizable imagery. Instead, the artist employs thick brushstrokes and monochromatic color throughout the canvas, creating a sense of depth and texture. The work invites the viewer’s interpretation while also challenging traditional representational art forms.
Gerhard Richter was born in Dresden, Germany, in 1932, and his career has spanned over six decades. He is considered one of the most noteworthy contemporary artists worldwide, known for his versatility across various mediums such as photography, painting, sculpture and has exhibited across many prestigious institutions worldwide.
The painting was a part of The Doris and Donald Fisher Collection at San Francisco Museum of Modern Arts but has since changed hands into other private collections globally. Administrative Building continues to be a significant reference point for those studying abstract expressionism – an art style that values emotion over logic – today.