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 themes in Frank Auerbach’s work relate to his personal history and experiences, particularly his childhood in Nazi Germany?
**Interview with Art Historian Sarah Levin on the Legacy of Frank Auerbach**
**Interviewer:** Sarah, thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent passing of Frank Auerbach, a towering figure in British art history. Auerbach created a unique niche within the London School, breaking new ground with his intense portraiture and use of color. How would you summarize his impact on contemporary art?
**Sarah Levin:** Thank you for having me. Frank Auerbach was truly revolutionary in his approach to painting. His ability to weave abstraction into figuration allowed viewers to see portraits and street scenes in a new light. His thick layers of paint created a texture that almost invites touch, transforming the act of looking into a sensory experience. He is certainly among the ranks of other London School greats like Bacon and Freud, but Auerbach’s work pushed those boundaries even further.
**Interviewer:** Absolutely. Auerbach had an inspiring journey, fleeing Nazi Germany at a young age and ultimately redefining portrait painting. How do you think his personal history influenced his artistic perspective?
**Sarah Levin:** Auerbach’s background is crucial to understanding his work. The trauma of losing his parents during the Holocaust profoundly affected him, imbuing his works with themes of loss, memory, and survival. His portraits often evoke a raw emotionality that speaks to the complexity of the human experience, something viewers might not initially perceive but that becomes more apparent upon deeper reflection.
**Interviewer:** It’s interesting to consider that depth. His recent retrospective and the release of “Frank Auerbach: Drawings of People” have brought renewed interest in his works. How do you see this influencing new generations of artists?
**Sarah Levin:** I believe Auerbach’s techniques and themes will continue to resonate. He demonstrated that art can embody both personal narrative and universal truths. Upcoming artists can learn from his fearless approach—his willingness to make a mess, if you will, in pursuit of artistic authenticity. This kind of exploration is vital for breaking new ground in today’s art scene.
**Interviewer:** In light of his passing, many might reflect on the direction of figurative painting today. What discussions do you think his legacy will spark among artists and critics?
**Sarah Levin:** Auerbach’s death could reignite debates about the relevance of figurative versus abstract art in contemporary practices. As artists grapple with identity, culture, and politics, they might look to Auerbach’s fusion of emotional depth and technical skill as inspiration. I also wonder how audiences will reassess the importance of traditional portraiture in an age dominated by digital images. Will they embrace or challenge the significance of Auerbach’s masterful style?
**Interviewer:** That’s a thought-provoking question, Sarah. As we reflect on Auerbach’s life and works, what do you hope the art community takes away from this moment?
**Sarah Levin:** I hope it reminds us that painting can still be a powerful medium for personal expression and social commentary. Auerbach’s legacy teaches us that while styles and techniques evolve, the emotional resonance of art remains essential. I encourage everyone to engage deeply with his works and think critically about how they frame the ongoing dialogue in art today.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Sarah, for sharing your insights on Frank Auerbach’s profound influence. Given his remarkable legacy, how do you think readers might feel about the role of traditional figurative painting in today’s digital world? Is it still relevant, or should artists be moving towards new forms of expression?
**Sarah Levin:** That’s an essential question for our time. I think it’s a matter worth debating as we navigate the interface of tradition and innovation in art.
