Serpentine and The Royal Parks are preparing to unveil a new large-scale sculpture by renowned German artist Gerhard Richter, a significant addition to Kensington Gardens’ serene landscape. Titled STRIP-TOWER (2023), the installation will grace the Park at Serpentine South from [April 25] to [October 27, 2024], marking a significant milestone in the long-standing tradition of public art presentations in The Royal Parks. This tradition dates back to Serpentine’s inception in 1970.
Richter’s STRIP-TOWER (2023) is a unique example of the artist’s decades-long exploration of painting, photography, digital reproduction, and abstraction. This sculpture, inspired by his series of Strip Paintings initiated in 2010, employs a distinctive method involving colourful striped ceramic tiles that adorn two perpendicular panels. Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in the dense composition of thin vertical stripes, with the intersecting panels forming a cross-section where spectators can stand, offering a truly immersive and interactive art experience.
Richter’s Strip Paintings trace back to earlier works, Abstract Painting 724-4 (1990), which served as the catalyst for his experimentation with digital manipulation and fractal imagery. The resulting patterns, showcased in his artist’s book Pattern, offer a mesmerizing glimpse into the artist’s innovative approach to composition and repetition.
Reflecting Richter’s fascination with reflections, systems, and repetitions, STRIP-TOWER builds upon the artist’s previous explorations, such as his acclaimed installation 4900 Colours, exhibited at Serpentine in 2008. Comprising bright monochrome squares arranged in a grid formation, 4900 Colours captivated audiences with its kaleidoscopic visuals, underscoring Richter’s ability to blur the boundaries between art and perception.
Bettina Korek, CEO, and Hans Ulrich Obrist, Artistic Director of Serpentine, expressed their enthusiasm for presenting Richter’s monumental work, highlighting its resonance with the institution’s commitment to fostering dialogue between artists and audiences. Since its inception, Serpentine has played a pivotal role in expanding the boundaries of public art, with initiatives like the Serpentine Pavilion commissioning program and collaborations with esteemed artists such as Anish Kapoor, Christo, and Jeanne-Claude.
Against the backdrop of Kensington Gardens’ lush scenery, STRIP-TOWER promises to inspire visitors, inviting them to contemplate the intersection of art, nature, and human experience. The sculpture serves as a powerful symbol of this important artist’s imagination.
Gerhard Richter, born in Dresden in 1932, is a globally renowned artist celebrated for his multi-layered exploration of fundamental questions in painting. After fleeing to the Federal Republic of Germany in 1961, Richter studied at the Düsseldorf State Academy of Art and later became a professor. Richter’s influence on the art world is undeniable, as evidenced by his numerous accolades throughout his illustrious career, including the Golden Lion at the 47th Venice Biennale and the Praemium Imperiale Prize in Tokyo. His work has been exhibited worldwide, with solo shows at prestigious institutions such as Tate London, MoMA New York, and The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo. Richter currently resides and works in Cologne, Germany, continuing to shape the contemporary art landscape with his innovative and thought-provoking creations.