“Arrest No.674 2” is a work of art by Gerhard Richter created in 1988. This piece forms part of the New European Painting movement and is categorized under the figurative genre. It belongs to the “18. Oktober 1977 (1988)” series by Richter, which is a cycle of paintings that delve into the events surrounding the German left-wing militant group, the Red Army Faction (RAF).
The artwork conveys a blurred and indistinguishable scene, which is characteristic of Richter’s style during this period. The monochromatic tones create a sense of ambiguity and perhaps even a feeling of disturbance or unrest. The deliberate obscurity challenges the viewer to grapple with the underlying subject matter, reflecting on the events it references and their implications. The smudging effect invites contemplation about the nature of memory, representation, and the role of art in documenting historical events. The piece stands as a testament to Richter’s examination of the RAF and the complex narratives of Germany’s recent past.
