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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What were the key elements of Frank Auerbach’s artistic style that set him apart from his contemporaries in the London School?
**Interview with Art Historian Dr. Clara Johnson on the Legacy of Frank Auerbach**
**Interviewer:** Dr. Johnson, thank you for joining us today to discuss the remarkable life and legacy of Frank Auerbach, who recently passed away at the age of 93. Auerbach was not just a notable figure in British art; he significantly shaped modern portraiture. What stands out to you most about his contribution to the art world?
**Dr. Johnson:** Thank you for having me. Frank Auerbach’s work is indeed monumental. His ability to fuse dense color with abstract elements created a unique visual language that pushed the boundaries of portraiture. His paintings often transcend simple representation, embarking on a deeper emotional and psychological exploration of his subjects.
**Interviewer:** Auerbach’s connection to the London School alongside giants like Francis Bacon and Lucian Freud is often highlighted. In your opinion, how did his work differ from or complement theirs?
**Dr. Johnson:** While all these artists explored complex emotions and human experience, Auerbach’s distinctive use of texture and layering set him apart. His commitment to portraying reality through a thick application of paint allowed him to express not just the external appearance of his subjects but something much more profound—their essence. This tactile quality invites viewers to engage with his art on a sensory level, differing from Bacon’s often more jarring and confrontational style.
**Interviewer:** Auerbach’s personal history also informs much of his work; he fled Nazi Germany as a child and lost his family in the Holocaust. How do you think his background influenced his artistic vision?
**Dr. Johnson:** Auerbach’s experiences undoubtedly shaped his worldview and artistic practice. The trauma of his early life may have fostered a deep understanding of human suffering and resilience, which resonates throughout his portraits and depictions of urban life in Camden. His art can be viewed as a response to the chaos and loss he witnessed, creating a poignant dialog between personal memory and collective history.
**Interviewer:** With the recent release of “Frank Auerbach: Drawings of People,” showcasing the complexity of his portraiture, what do you think the future holds for his artistic legacy?
**Dr. Johnson:** I believe Auerbach’s legacy will continue to thrive as new generations of artists seek inspiration from his innovative techniques and emotional depth. His ability to capture nuanced aspects of humanity challenges viewers to reflect on their own perceptions of identity and existence. This might spark debates on how barometer measurements of beauty and realism are evolving in contemporary art. Can we consider Auerbach’s work to be timeless, or does the evolving nature of art demand new artists to redefine portraiture as they see fit?
**Interviewer:** That’s a fascinating point. in light of Auerbach’s passing, how should we remember him as a figure in the art community?
**Dr. Johnson:** Frank Auerbach should be remembered as a trailblazer who not only elevated British art but also deeply influenced the international art scene. His relentless pursuit of truth in representation and his mastery of technique demand our admiration. As we reflect on his life, it’s vital to engage in conversations about the continued relevance of his themes in today’s societal context, challenging readers to consider how we value the intersection of personal history and artistic expression.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Johnson. Your insights into Frank Auerbach’s legacy are invaluable.
What do our readers think? Considering Auerbach’s significant contributions to art, how should we view the evolution of portraiture in contemporary art? Does traditional representation still hold value, or is it time for a new paradigm?
