One of Germany's most famous contemporary artists, Gerhard Richter, has turned 80. These days his works sell for massive sums of money at auction - and not just because of their unique photo-like quality.

Gerhard Richter was born on 9 February 1932 in Dresden, the son of a Nazi. He grew up in East Germany but fled communism and moved to the West in 1961.

Always an ardent observer, Richter's work reflects the world around him and his themes vary accordingly. From Red Army Faction terrorists to boarding a flight bound for New York on the morning of 11 September 2001, Richter's world finds its way into his work.