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 has Frank Auerbach’s early life experiences influenced his artistic vision and portrayal of human subjects?
**Interview with Art Historian Dr. Sarah Collins on the Legacy of Frank Auerbach**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Collins. We’re discussing the recently announced passing of Frank Auerbach, a remarkable figure in British art history who passed away at the age of 93.
**Dr. Sarah Collins:** Thank you for having me. Auerbach’s influence on modern portraiture and abstract expressionism cannot be overstated. He truly captivated audiences with his unique use of color and texture.
**Interviewer:** Auerbach was regarded as one of the leading members of the London School, alongside notable contemporaries like Francis Bacon and Lucian Freud. What do you think distinguished his work from his peers?
**Dr. Sarah Collins:** Auerbach’s dense, textured approach to painting set him apart. While Bacon focused on emotional turmoil and Freud on psychological depth, Auerbach presented a more visceral, almost tactile relationship with his subjects. His portraits convey a rawness that invites viewers to engage deeply with both the subject and the act of painting itself.
**Interviewer:** His early life story is particularly poignant—fleeing Berlin at a young age due to Nazi persecution, losing his parents to the Holocaust. How do you think these early experiences shaped his artistic vision?
**Dr. Sarah Collins:** Auerbach’s history undeniably influenced his work. His experiences of loss and displacement created a profound depth in his portraits, often evoking themes of identity and existence. It’s essential to consider how his past might have led him to explore the human condition so intricately.
**Interviewer:** In recent years, his comprehensive study “Frank Auerbach: Drawings of People” has garnered attention for its exploration of his portraiture. In your view, what does this reveal about the evolution of his style?
**Dr. Sarah Collins:** The study offers valuable insights into his artistic process, revealing layers of thought behind each piece. It showcases how Auerbach’s style evolved while remaining rooted in his distinct palette and technique. Each drawing and painting reflects not just a subject but his introspection and observation of human form and emotion.
**Interviewer:** As we reflect on Auerbach’s legacy, what do you think will be the biggest challenge for future artists influenced by his work?
**Dr. Sarah Collins:** The greatest challenge will be finding a balance between innovation and homage. Auerbach’s thick layers and emotive portraiture set a high bar. Future artists must navigate the temptation to replicate his style while seeking their own voice in a rapidly changing art world.
**Interviewer:** In light of his passing, what do you think is the conversation we should be having in the art community right now about his impact on contemporary art?
**Dr. Sarah Collins:** I believe we should discuss the importance of continuing to challenge the boundaries of representation in portraiture, much like Auerbach did. His technique demands interaction and engagement—can contemporary artists invite that same depth and complexity into their work? How can they draw inspiration from his legacy without losing their individuality?
**Interviewer:** A fitting question to end on. As we mourn the loss of Frank Auerbach, how do you feel his legacy will influence discussions on the future of portraiture and abstract art?
**Dr. Sarah Collins:** Auerbach’s legacy will undoubtedly continue to fuel discussions on the nature of portraiture and abstraction. His work serves as a reminder that art is not just about the final piece but about the emotional and physical journey involved in its creation. I’m curious to see how emerging artists will interpret and respond to his groundbreaking approach.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Collins, for your insights today. What do you think, readers? Do you believe Auerbach’s style can still inspire innovative approaches to portraiture in the modern art scene?
**[End of Interview]**
