Foreign Minister Westerwelle congratulates Gerhard Richter on his 80th birthday

Gerhard Richter Enlarge image German artist Gerhard Richter (© dpa / picture-alliance) “To me, Gerhard Richter is one of the most important German artists of our time," Foreign Minister Westerwelle said in a press release. "He is recognised and appreciated all over the world. His skill and variety, from painting to the windows of Cologne Cathedral, are deeply impressive. I congratulate Gerhard Richter most warmly on his 80th birthday – both officially as Foreign Minister and also very personally as an admirer of his work.”

Updated: 9 February 2012
Source: Federal Foreign Office

Gerhard Richter

Gerhard Richter exhibition in Dresden

Artist of opposites; he loves freedom and needs order. He’s a shy person and a great painter – Gerhard Richter will be 80 in 2012.

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