GERHARD RICHTER, Throw pillow, 2019 – number 2

GERHARD RICHTER, Throw pillow, 2019 – number 2
30 x 33 x 13 cm
dye print on polyester fibre, inner filling pillow, zipper
published by RedBubble Pty Ltd, Melbourne, Australia
produced by PX Pixels, Corporate Headquarters, Chicago, IL, USA
extremely rare
p.o.r.

RedBuble Pty Ltd was founded in 2006 as a global online marketplace for print-on-demand products. It sells not only in-the-style-of, but also merchandised Gerhard Richter products. See more at RedBubble Gerhard Richter products. For some reason on the Throw pillow (number 2) itself no reference can found related to Gerhard Richter’s name or consent.

RedBuble Pty Ltd that was founded in 2006 as a global online marketplace for print-on-demand products. It sells not only in-the-style-of, but also merchandised 2 patterns (details of a painting) that are offered as ‘by Gerhard Richter’, i.e. both 2 Throw pillows and 2 Tote bags. That brings one to the question whether Gerhard Richter or his team agreed on uploading digital images of his artworks or that it got a license to publish and produce these products.
For some reason on the “Throw pillows” number 2 and 3 no reference is found related to Gerhard Richter’s name, consent or authorisation. KvG, 28 October 2019

When one is looking for Richter’s ‘Throw pillows’ none of these pillowss are for sale anymore. Instead of making clear whether a product is an authentic item made with the consent of Richter, nowadays these products are printed with squeegee reproductions designed by designers obviously inspired by the paintings of Gerhard Richter. Other pillows are for sale with the name of a designer under the image, with the obvious attempt to avoid accusations of plagiarism. This all makes the ‘Throw pillow number 2’ a peculiar collector’s item.
KvG, 17 March 2021