Townscape SL 1969

Gerhard Richter’s 1969 painting "Townscape SL" exemplifies his exploration of photorealism and abstract expressionism. The grayscale palette and geometric shapes create a sense of detachment and objectivity. The viewer is presented with an aerial view of a cityscape, the simplified forms suggesting a modern, industrial setting. The work is characterized by the artist's signature technique of scraping and layering paint, resulting in a textured surface that further underscores the blurred lines between reality and abstraction.