The artwork “Flieger,” created by Gerhard Richter in 1964, is part of the “Aeroplanes (1963-1964)” series and belongs to the New European Painting art movement. This figurative piece is characterized by its representation of aircraft in a warlike context, which is consistent with the overarching themes of its series.
In “Flieger,” a stark, monochromatic palette dominates the scene, capturing multiple aircraft engaged in what appears to be an aerial combat scenario. The planes, outlined against a diffuse, cloudy background, interact with dark, amorphous clouds of smoke and bursts, suggesting both motion and the chaos of battle. The elements of the artwork convey a sense of tension and urgency, reflective of the historical and emotional weight of the era it represents. The use of grayscale tones enhances the atmospheric intensity and dramatic composition, directing the viewer’s attention to the stark contrast between the fleeting, delicate forms of the airplanes and the menacing, omnipresent plumes of smoke.
