THEY are the first images of a new show by one of the world's most celebrated artists.

Gerhard Richter's "rich and varied" work is on show now at the newest gallery in town.

On show from 11am today some of the work is rarely  seen in the UK.

Widely regarded as one of the most influential 21st century artists still working today, Gerhard Richter is known mainly as a painter.

But his work spans painting, to tapestry and photography - and touches on just as many concepts in between. Displayed on practically every inch of the brand new John Hansard Gallery - which opens in the south building of Studio 144 this weekend - the exhibition showcases Richter's work - but in a way designed to show off the new building as well.

Senior curator Ros Carter said: "He is one of the very very big art figures still alive and making work today and to have the opportunity to see this work is fantastic - whether people are familiar with the name or not.

"It's a rare opportunity to see them all together."

Gallery 2 is dedicated to Richter's works using mirrored reflections.

A recurring theme in his work since the late 1960s, images of a bombed out post-war Cologne on reflective surfaces force us to look at ourselves in images of war's aftermath.

But moving from the monochrome landscapes of 128 Details from a Picture to Gallery 3 the viewer is brought literally into the light with Richter's 4900 Colours - which took gallery technicians seven whole days to install.

Just one version of the configuration, the 196 panels, each made up of 25 squares of colour, fill the Guildhall Square-facing gallery from floor to ceiling. A reflection of the random nature of colour found in everyday life, 4900 Colours can be displayed in eleven different ways - but this is Version 1. And Richter's main idea was that displayed together the viewer might be able to pick out their own shapes and symbols- like seeing recognisable shapes in the random formation of clouds.