Cell

(Zelle)

1988. Oil on Canvas
201 cm X 140 cm

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This painting depicts Andreas Baader's cell in Stammheim prison as it was found after Death Night. Among many, the popular image of Baader was of a poorly educated poseur, more interested in violence than theory. Though Baader may have come to his revolutionary career without a formal background in Marxist thought, by the end of his life his knowledge had become deep and real. The hundreds of books lining Baader's shelves were a testament to Baader's intellect.

 

Original source image 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"October 18, 1977"

An Exhibit by Gerhard Richter

In the permanent collection of The Museum of Modern Art, New York City, NY

Buy the Book (Amazon US)
Buy the Book(Amazon Germany)
Gerhard Richter: October 18, 1977
by Robert Storr
Published by The Museum of Modern Art
152 Pages, hardbound

This book is extraordinary. It offers intriguing detail about Richter's art, detailed, footnoted background on the Baader-Meinhof era, and in-depth analysis of the "October 18, 1977" cycle. The book could be considered a full-length justification for MOMA's extraordinary and costly purchase of Richter's cycle. I think the book makes its case beautifully.

Note: the book is out of print, but people can often find used copies through the Amazon link for a reasonable price. The German version is still in print and used and new versions are available from the Amazon Germany link

-- Richard Huffman