He died at the age of 93, Frank Auerbach leading figure in British art history who broke new ground for his portraiture, with dense color and elements of abstraction.
The death of the painter that occurred in London was announced on Tuesday 12/11 by Frankie Rossi Art Projects, which however did not mention the cause.
Considered one of the leading names of the London School alongside Francis Bacon, Henry Moore and Lucian Freud, the artist was known for his portraits and street scenes of Camden in north London.
During a career spanning seven decades, his works, characterized by thick layers of paint, have been exhibited in the world’s leading galleries.
Born on April 29, 1931 in Berlin, Germany to Jewish parents, at the age of seven he fled to Britain to escape Nazi persecution. His parents were left behind and killed in concentration camps. Auerbach studied at the St. Martin’s in London and then the Royal College of Art, developing his signature palette of bold colors and a distinct painting style. In 1956, he held his first solo exhibition at the Beaux Arts Gallery, and by 1978, he was the subject of a major retrospective at London’s Hayward Gallery. He represented Britain at the Venice Biennale in 1986, where he and his peer Sigmar Polke were awarded the Golden Lion.
The first comprehensive study of Frank Auerbach’s portraits “Frank Auerbach: Drawings of People” that reveals their complexity was released in October 2022 and includes texts by the painter.
Source: RES
#leading #painter #London #School #died #age
What are the defining characteristics of Frank Auerbach’s painting style that contribute to his legacy in contemporary art?
**Interview with Art Historian Dr. Emma Carter on the Legacy of Frank Auerbach**
**Interviewer:** Dr. Carter, Frank Auerbach passed away recently at the age of 93, leaving behind a significant legacy in British art. What do you think sets his work apart in the landscape of contemporary art?
**Dr. Carter:** Auerbach’s work is marked by its intense physicality and emotional depth. His approach to portraiture, characterized by thick layers of paint and a distinctive use of color, allows viewers to engage with both the subject and the artist’s emotional state. He broke traditional boundaries by infusing elements of abstraction into his portraits, making them not just representations, but explorations of identity and existence.
**Interviewer:** He was a key figure within the London School, alongside names like Francis Bacon and Lucian Freud. How do you think his style and methodology compare to his contemporaries?
**Dr. Carter:** While Bacon and Freud had their distinctive narratives, Auerbach’s work stands out due to its almost sculptural quality. His technique of building up layers over time creates a sense of history and depth that invites contemplation. Unlike Bacon’s dramatic and often theatrical representations, or Freud’s psychological explorations, Auerbach’s use of abstraction leads to an experience that feels more visceral and raw.
**Interviewer:** Auerbach fled Nazi Germany as a child, a history that surely influenced his work. In what ways do you think his personal experiences shaped his artistic vision?
**Dr. Carter:** Auerbach’s traumatic childhood undoubtedly influenced his thematic explorations in art. The loss and upheaval he experienced are reflected in the intensity of his portraits and street scenes. His work encompasses layers of emotion, perhaps echoing his own struggle with identity and belonging. By translating his experiences onto canvas, he offers insights into human resilience and suffering.
**Interviewer:** The recent publication “Frank Auerbach: Drawings of People” has sparked renewed interest in his portrait work. What do you think this book adds to our understanding of his artistry?
**Dr. Carter:** This comprehensive study highlights the complexity of Auerbach’s work, particularly his portraiture. It provides contextual insight through his texts, which offer a glimpse into his thought processes and artistic intentions. Readers can appreciate the nuance and deliberate choices behind each stroke, which further enriches their understanding of his legacy.
**Interviewer:** as we reflect on Auerbach’s contributions to art, do you think the art world will remember him as a revolutionary figure, or will his impact be more subtly felt in future generations?
**Dr. Carter:** I believe Auerbach will be remembered as a revolutionary. While his techniques may have influenced others quietly, the emotional and philosophical underpinnings of his work expand the narrative of art in the 20th century. His ability to blend abstraction with the figurative opens doors for future artists to explore their inner dialogues.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Carter. Given his remarkable life and career, how do you think Auerbach’s story resonates with current discussions about art, identity, and history?
**Dr. Carter:** Auerbach’s story is timeless. It urges us to consider how an artist’s background and experiences inform their work. As conversations around identity and representation in art continue to evolve, Auerbach remains a powerful example of how personal history can shape and enrich artistic expression.
**Interviewer:** A thought-provoking discussion, indeed. How do you, our readers, perceive Frank Auerbach’s impact on the art world today? Do you see him as a revolutionary figure who advanced portraiture, or do you think his contributions will fade with time? We welcome your thoughts.
