Born in Eutin, Germany, Daniel Richter initially focused on graphic design and worked as a designer for music labels before turning to painting. He studied at the Hochschule für bildende Künste Hamburg under Werner Büttner, emerging as a significant figure in the German contemporary art scene during the 1990s.

Richter's practice is defined by his transition from abstract compositions to dense, figurative narratives that often reference historical events, media imagery, and social tension. His signature approach involves the use of intense, often neon-inflected color schemes and intricate brushwork that creates a sense of depth and atmospheric unease.

The artist has maintained a consistent presence in international galleries and museums, with his work held in numerous public collections. He has held professorships at various art academies, including the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna, further cementing his influence on contemporary European painting.