Footnotes

Provenance
Contemporary Fine Arts, Berlin.
Acquired from the above by the present owner.

Literature
K. Dohm & M. Hollein (eds.), Daniel Richter. Hello, I Love You, Cologne, 2015 (illustrated p.57).

The acerbic colours and lines of Daniel Richter's painting are unmistakable, draped across figures that dance with abstraction and pure form. The present work, Introspection, My Ass, from 2015, captures this visual tension elegantly, masterfully blending a frenetic exchange of limbs in a work that boasts passages of bold physicality and protracted flutters of paint. Set in an almost minimalist non-space, Richter's late works are characterised by these fragmented, isolated spaces in which his compositions play out. The present work conjures the wilting landscapes of Dali or the sun-soaked forums of De Chirico. Speaking to psychological states and formulations of being, Introspection, My Ass confesses its interest in self-reflection, albeit with a dry cynicism. Produced in one of the artist's most pivotal years of production – in 2015 Richter would have a mid-career retrospective at the Schirn Kunsthalle, in addition to a monographic exhibition at the Camden Arts Centre in London – Introspection, My Ass is an exceptional example of contemporary painting by an artist who continues to be highly sought-after by collectors.

This work marks an important moment in Richter's trajectory, coming at a time when his practice had evolved from the earlier, politically charged pieces of the 1990s to a more introspective yet equally critical exploration of contemporary subjectivity and identity. Following his engagement with the visual language of German Expressionism, punk aesthetics, and postmodern critique, Introspection, My Ass marks a shift towards an increasingly conceptual and, at times, confrontational approach. The work's satirical title, juxtaposed with the intensity of its visual impact, demonstrates Richter's consistent ability to question the seriousness of contemporary art and cultural narratives while simultaneously creating works of undeniable emotional depth.

The prominence of Introspection, My Ass lies not only in its stylistic innovations but also in its reflection of the larger context of Richter's oeuvre. It demonstrates his continued exploration of both the chaos and beauty inherent in the human experience, with each brushstroke contributing to an ever-evolving dialogue between personal expression and collective memory. Richter's recent works have increasingly focused on this intersection between the individual and the broader socio-political environment, and Introspection, My Ass is an exemplary reflection of this ongoing engagement.

Paintings by Daniel Richter are held in prestigious public museum collections worldwide, affirming his standing as one of the most significant contemporary artists currently working. Notably, his pieces reside in institutions including the Museum of Modern Art in New York; the Tate Modern in London; the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam; and the Pinakothek der Moderne in Munich. These institutions recognise Richter not only for his technical skill and innovation but also for his capacity to probe the pressing concerns of his time through the lens of painting. His inclusion in such renowned collections underscores the lasting relevance of his art, and Introspection, My Ass serves as a powerful testament to his place within the contemporary art canon.