Kerze I 1988

Gerhard Richter’s “Kerze I” captures a single candle flame with uncanny photorealism. Born in Dresden, Germany, in 1932, Richter’s early life was complicated by the rise of Nazism and the subsequent division of Germany. His work often grapples with questions of national and personal identity. In the context of post-war Germany, the candle becomes a loaded symbol. On one hand, it is a traditional symbol of hope, remembrance, and mourning. On the other, it’s a symbol that can be easily reproduced and commercialized. The blurriness of the image suggests the unreliability of memory and the passage of time. Richter himself has spoken about the candle's appeal as a symbol of both life and death. As we consider "Kerze I," we might reflect on how symbols gain meaning through their cultural usage. We should also reflect on their personal resonance, and how they shape our understanding of life's fragility.