Artwork Description

Title: gleich und doch verschieden 1–9 (nr. 9)
Artist: Reiner Kallhardt
Date: 2007
Medium: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 15.7 x 15.7 in (40 x 40 cm)

Artwork Identification
gleich und doch verschieden 1–9 (nr. 9) is the fourth piece in a serialized series by German abstract artist Reiner Kallhardt, created in 2007. This compact 40 x 40 cm oil on canvas composition features a matrix of concentric squares, arranged in a rigorous grid and saturated in vivid hues transitioning across the spectrum. Each colored square is embedded within a precise black field, creating the illusion of dimensionality and visual vibration.

Artistic Style and Influences
Kallhardt’s practice aligns with the principles of Concrete Art and Op Art, reflecting a deep engagement with systems, symmetry, and chromatic experimentation. In this work, he explores optical contrast and spatial perception through color interaction and geometric repetition, echoing the legacy of Josef Albers and Victor Vasarely. The layering of intense pigments with mathematically structured arrangements results in a hypnotic viewing experience that balances order and variation—hence the Title: “gleich und doch verschieden,” or “same and yet different.”

Historical Context
Painted in the early 2000s, this work reflects Kallhardt’s continued refinement of minimalist visual language in the postmodern era. Born in Germany in 1933, Kallhardt emerged as a rigorous proponent of formal abstraction, contributing to the ongoing discourse on visual systems and the psychological impact of color and form.

Provenance
Provenance documentation can be provided upon contact.

Condition and Conservation
The painting is in very good condition. The surface shows no signs of damage or restoration. Colors remain vibrant, and the structure of the canvas and frame is entirely stable and intact.

Artistic Significance
gleich und doch verschieden 1–9 (nr. 9) is a compelling example of Kallhardt’s pursuit of visual equilibrium through contrast and precision. Its compact scale enhances the intensity of its optical effect, making it an impactful work within his oeuvre and a collectible item for enthusiasts of European geometric abstraction.