24.2.85 1985

Gerhard Richter painted '24.2.85' with oil on canvas, and at first glance, the vibrant colors evoke primal emotions. The juxtaposition of warm yellows and reds against cool blues isn't merely aesthetic; it's a symbolic representation of opposing forces. Consider how similar color symbolism appears across cultures. Red, associated with vitality and danger, contrasts with blue, representing serenity and the infinite. This dichotomy is not new. We see it echoed in ancient myths, where gods of fire and water clash, embodying the eternal struggle between opposing forces. Yet, here, these colors aren't neatly separated. They bleed into each other, creating a sense of chaos and unresolved tension. This blending can evoke a sense of anxiety. It is as if Richter taps into our collective memory of existential struggles, presenting it in a raw, unfiltered form. Thus, '24.2.85' becomes more than just an abstract painting; it becomes a mirror reflecting humanity's eternal dance between opposing instincts.