#art, Who Is The Greatest Painter Alive Today?

If I was asked to name one painter, alive today, who many (not necessarily me) consider the greatest or most famous living painter, it would be Gerhard Richter. And you may ask, why Francisco? And I will say:

Well, «experts» widely regard him as “one of the most important contemporary German artists,” producing both photorealistic and abstract painting. And you would probably ask me why I care about what the so-called «experts» say, and I would have to reply that I really do not care but that I have to go by what has been written and what I have researched. That’s life in the «art world.»

Then I would add:

• He has been described in serious art-world commentary as “the greatest living painter,” “the world’s most important artist,” and even “the Picasso of the 21st century.” (Not my opinion at all, especially about him being the Picasso of the 21st Century!)
• His works set record prices and attract major museum shows and global attention. (This is true and I have seen it and cannot dispute it)
• Rankings of living painters (for fame, influence, or market value) put him at or near the top. (Well, what can I say and who can prove the accuracy or veracity of these rankings? After all they were created by «experts«)

BUT LET US NOT LOSE TRACK THAT:

• “Greatest” and “most famous” are highly subjective in art AS they depend on criteria, (market value, gallery showings, critical reputation, public recognition), and region.
• Fame among those in art-circles may differ significantly from fame among the general public. Some artists are iconic in the art world but not household names. For example, Yayoi Kusama is extremely recognizable for her installations and dots, especially in pop culture. (And one I do not like at all, nor do I consider her iconic in any way. As a matter of fact, sometimes I think she is Yoko Ono)
• The dominance of multiple media and global art platforms means there’s no universal “king of painters” as there might have been in earlier centuries. (Thank God!)

BUT…

Again, forced to pick one person, I would agree on Gerhard Richter as the strongest contender today for being the “greatest” or “most famous” painter alive, based on reputation, influence, and market presence. Let us take a brief look at this artist.

GERHARD RICHTER (Germany)…

Born in Dresden, (1932). His style is abstract and photorealism. For many years he has been hailed by critics as “the greatest living painter”, and I must say that his technical mastery and philosophical depth have made an impact on art today. His signature works are Betty and the Abstraktes Bild series.

TAKE A LOOK FURTHER TO ACQUAINT YOURSELVES WITH HIS WORK:

CHEERS