We've lost these qualities, these abilities to do something by hand. Some illustrators have it still, but it's just not art. We have photography. We have cameras and computers that do it better and faster.

Gerhard Richter’s quote, "We've lost these qualities, these abilities to do something by hand. Some illustrators have it still, but it's just not art. We have photography. We have cameras and computers that do it better and faster," reflects his view on the evolution of artistic techniques in the digital age. Richter, a renowned German painter, is commenting on how traditional, manual artistic processes—such as drawing or painting by hand—are being replaced by more technologically advanced methods like photography and digital tools. He acknowledges that some artists still retain these old skills, but suggests that with the advent of modern technology, the need for manual craftsmanship in art has diminished.

The meaning behind the quote speaks to the tension between traditional art forms and modern technological advancements. Richter is not necessarily dismissing photography or computers, but rather expressing his concern that the intimate connection between the artist and their materials has been lost as machines take over. For Richter, art is not just about the end product but about the process, the act of creating by hand, which he feels has been overshadowed by the efficiency and perfection offered by technology.

This quote also touches on the broader theme of authenticity in art. Richter is implying that despite the technical prowess of modern tools, there is something inherently valuable about the manual labor of creating art by hand. While photography and digital art might be able to produce images faster and more precisely, they lack the personal touch and imperfections that often characterize hand-crafted works. This reflects a certain nostalgia for the older, more labor-intensive ways of creating that he sees as an integral part of the artistic experience.

The origin of the quote stems from Richter's experiences as an artist who has worked across multiple media, from traditional painting to photorealism and digital manipulation. As someone who has witnessed the transformation of the art world due to technological advancements, his statement reflects a critique of the modern reliance on technology in the creative process. Richter’s perspective as an artist and his deep understanding of both traditional and modern forms of expression inform his opinion that technology, while valuable, can never replace the personal, tactile experience of creating art by hand.