Gerhard Richter discusses art, beauty, and power in rare video interview

In a rare video interview with the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in Copenhagen, Gerhard Richter (born Dresden, 1932) reflects on the value and power of art. The interview was released on the occasion of the museum's acquisition of one of his stripe paintings. Richter states, "I don't think art has power. But it certainly has value. Those interested in art draw comfort from it. They receive consolation simply from its beauty." He also comments on contemporary trends: "Today beauty is not in fashion. It is not what we need. We need entertainment, sensations." Referring to Thomas Mann's diaries predicting a light and democratic turn for art, Richter adds, "We have gone far beyond that stage. Art today is more than cheerful. And there has never been so much of it."