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 might Frank Auerbach’s approach to portraiture continue to shape the techniques and perspectives of emerging artists in the contemporary art scene?
**Interview with Art Historian, Dr. Elizabeth Moore, on the Legacy of Frank Auerbach**
**Interviewer:** Dr. Moore, thank you for joining us. Frank Auerbach recently passed away at the age of 93, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in the world of British art. How would you summarize his contributions to the London School and the art scene in general?
**Dr. Moore:** Thank you for having me. Auerbach was indeed a monumental figure in British art. He, alongside contemporaries like Francis Bacon and Lucian Freud, redefined portraiture with his distinctive use of thick paint and bold colors. His ability to convey emotional depth while merging abstraction with representation set him apart and truly broke ground within the London School.
**Interviewer:** It’s striking how his life experiences, including fleeing Nazi Germany as a child, shaped his artistic expression. How do you believe these personal histories influenced his work?
**Dr. Moore:** Auerbach’s experiences profoundly impacted his artistic vision. The trauma of losing his parents during the Holocaust undoubtedly infused his work with a sense of urgency and depth. His portraits often reflect not just the physical likeness of his subjects, but also a deeper emotional and psychological reality, bridging personal history with broader human experiences.
**Interviewer:** With a career that spanned over seventy years and works displayed in the world’s leading galleries, what do you think his legacy will be in the future? Will his style influence the next generation of artists?
**Dr. Moore:** Auerbach’s legacy is one of honesty and depth that resonates with many contemporary artists. His unique approach to materials and color serves as a lesson in boldness and innovation. I believe his work will continue to inspire future generations to explore the depths of human experience through their art, challenging them to push boundaries just as he did.
**Interviewer:** Given the varying reactions elicited by modern artistic styles, how do you think Auerbach’s work will be received as art continues to evolve?
**Dr. Moore:** That’s an intriguing question. Art is always evolving, and the dialog around it is crucial. I think Auerbach’s commitment to the figure and emotion can serve as a counterbalance to today’s often abstract or conceptual tendencies. It will be interesting to see if younger artists will embrace the dense, textural qualities of his work or if they’ll seek to diverge from it entirely. The debate could stimulate a resurgence of figurative art in response to an increasingly digital artistic landscape.
**Interviewer:** considering Auerbach’s passing, what do you hope readers take away from his life and work? How can we honor his legacy beyond the gallery walls?
**Dr. Moore:** I hope readers take away the significance of resilience and authenticity in art. Auerbach’s life teaches us that our personal narratives can become powerful expressions in our work. To honor his legacy, I suggest engaging with his works, discussing them, and considering the broader context of art history. It’s important to not only appreciate his contributions but also encourage dialog about what art means in contemporary society—an ongoing conversation that Auerbach himself would have undoubtedly valued.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Moore, for sharing your insights on Frank Auerbach’s remarkable life and enduring influence on the art world.
**Dr. Moore:** Thank you for having me!
As we reflect on the impact of Frank Auerbach, we invite readers to consider: As modern art continues to evolve, what do you think is the importance of preserving traditional techniques and emotional depth in contemporary practice? Is there a balance to be found? Let’s discuss.