By Jonathan Shih
Gerhard Richter’s “Toilet Paper” (1965): The Most Sophisticated Roll in Art History
Forget the Mona Lisa’s smile—true artistic mystery lies in a single roll of toilet paper, immortalized in oil paint. In 1965, Gerhard Richter, the master of blurred photorealism, decided to elevate the most humble of household items to high art. The result? A soft-focus, ethereal depiction of a toilet roll that looks like it’s about to whisper the secrets of the universe… or remind you that you forgot to buy more.
Richter’s choice of subject raises profound questions:
✔ Is this a commentary on consumer culture?
✔ A meditation on impermanence?
✔ Or just an early warning that we should all stock up before the next global shortage?
One thing’s for sure—if Duchamp gave us the urinal, Richter gave us the response. A true artistic mic drop… or maybe just a gentle roll.
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