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
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How did Frank Auerbach’s personal experiences shape the themes present in his artwork?
**Interview with Art Historian Dr. Emily Carson on the Legacy of Frank Auerbach**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Carson. As we reflect on the recent passing of Frank Auerbach at the age of 93, what impact do you believe his work has had on contemporary British art?
**Dr. Carson:** Thank you for having me. Frank Auerbach was indeed a monumental figure in British art. His innovative approach to portraiture, marked by dense color and abstraction, has inspired countless artists. He challenged traditional norms and brought a raw emotional depth to his canvases. The thick layers of paint he employed not only serve to create texture but also engage viewers in a dialogue about the nature of representation itself.
**Interviewer:** Auerbach had a unique background, fleeing Nazi Germany as a child. How do you think his personal history influenced his artistic vision?
**Dr. Carson:** His harrowing experiences certainly shaped his perspective. Auerbach’s works often reflect themes of struggle and survival, which resonate deeply. His commitment to portraying subjects close to him—friends, family, and the streets of Camden—suggests a desire to find solace and connection in his art, perhaps in response to his traumatic past.
**Interviewer:** As a member of the London School alongside artists like Francis Bacon and Lucian Freud, how do you view Auerbach’s position in this prestigious circle?
**Dr. Carson:** Auerbach’s place among these artists is well-deserved. While each had a distinctive style, they shared a fearless approach to representation and emotion. Auerbach’s work stands out for its rich texture and psychological depth, offering a counterpoint to the more severe, often grotesque representations found in Bacon’s work, for example. This diversity within the London School is what makes it such a compelling movement in art history.
**Interviewer:** Before we conclude, let’s provoke some thought among our readers. Auerbach’s legacy is profound, but what do you think will endure from his art in the next generation? Will future artists be inspired by his approach, or might they seek completely new pathways?
**Dr. Carson:** That’s a crucial question. Auerbach’s dedication to materiality and emotion will surely leave a lasting influence, particularly for artists who value the visceral experience of painting. However, we also live in rapidly changing times where digital media and conceptual art are on the rise. It will be fascinating to see whether future artists embrace Auerbach’s techniques or diverge entirely in pursuit of new forms of expression. I invite readers to consider: should younger artists draw inspiration from such traditional techniques, or does innovation demand a clean break from past methods?
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Carson, for sharing your insights on Frank Auerbach’s remarkable legacy.
