"Retrospectively, the reason for the continued importance of Förg’s oeuvre becomes clear. The evolution of his direct, subjective engagement with the aesthetic of the sublime—conducted without fear of stereotypical taboos—oscillates between appropriation and homage, yet Förg does so without any ironic quotations or other such cheap distancing techniques. Instead, he throws mythical ballast overboard and appropriates picture-making strategies in a way that makes them look new.”
Andreas Schlaegel quoted in Bruce Weber, "Günther Förg, German Artist Who Made Modernism His Theme, Dies at 61," The New York Times, 18 December 2013, oinline