Gerhard Richter’s 1986 artwork, titled “Mediation,” is an oil on canvas that showcases the characteristics of Abstract Expressionism. The piece is expansive, with dimensions of 320 x 400 cm (126 x 157 1/2 in.), and it is part of the collection at the Musee des beaux-arts de Montreal. This abstract genre work captivates with its blend of colors and textures.
The artwork presents a vibrant and dynamic composition, brimming with an array of colors that intermingle across the canvas. The hues range from electric blues and bright yellows to deep reds and greens, suggesting motion and energy. Strokes appear to be applied in a variety of techniques, some thick and textured, others thin and smeared, which contributes to the overall sense of depth and complexity within the piece.
A certain rhythm is created by the juxtaposition of color and the movement of brushstrokes. Some areas of the canvas are heavily saturated, perhaps indicating the artist’s intense focus on these segments during his process of mediation, while other sections suggest lighter, more fluid motions. The artwork does not immediately reveal a specific form or figure; instead, it invites viewers to explore their own interpretation through the abstractions presented.
The layers and textures that are evident in the painting imply a rich physicality to the work, a characteristic typical of Abstract Expressionism, which emphasizes the physical act of painting as an essential aspect of the artwork itself. The grand scale of the piece further immerses the viewer, making the act of viewing not just a visual experience, but an enveloping, sensory one, aligning with the ethos of the movement which encourages a deep, personal encounter between the artwork and its audience.
