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 history shape the emotional depth of his artwork?
**Interview with Art Critic Sarah Thompson on the Legacy of Frank Auerbach**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Sarah. With the recent passing of Frank Auerbach at the age of 93, many are reflecting on his incredible contributions to British art. What do you believe sets his work apart in the context of the London School?
**Sarah Thompson:** Auerbach’s work is distinctive due to its thick, expressive layers of paint and the emotional intensity he infused into both his portraits and street scenes. He challenged traditional representation by merging abstraction with portraiture, allowing a raw, almost palpable energy to emerge from the canvas. His ability to capture the humanity and complexity of his subjects is truly remarkable.
**Interviewer:** Auerbach’s early life significantly influenced his art, particularly his flight from Nazi Germany. How do you think his personal history affected his artistic vision?
**Sarah Thompson:** His experience as a Jewish child fleeing persecution undoubtedly shaped his worldview and artistic approach. The trauma of losing his parents and his formative years spent in a foreign land instilled a profound sense of impermanence and longing, which is often echoed in the intensity and depth of his portraits. It adds an emotional layer that resonates with viewers.
**Interviewer:** Auerbach was often mentioned alongside other prominent figures like Francis Bacon and Lucian Freud. In your view, how do these artists collectively impact the understanding of London’s post-war art scene?
**Sarah Thompson:** These artists represent a critical shift in how art was perceived and created in post-war Britain. They brought a rawness and honesty to their work that reflected the societal upheavals of the time. Together, they formed a dialog that challenged conventions and expanded the possibilities of figurative art. Auerbach, with his unique style, contributed significantly to this discourse.
**Interviewer:** The recent publication “Frank Auerbach: Drawings of People” aims to reveal the complexity behind his portraits. What impact do you think this kind of comprehensive study can have on his legacy?
**Sarah Thompson:** This study is crucial as it highlights not just his finished works, but the processes and thoughts behind them. It fosters a deeper understanding of his artistic journey and the techniques he used, encouraging new generations to engage with his work. It also raises essential questions about the relationship between an artist’s process and their final output, which could spark a debate among art enthusiasts regarding the importance of context in art appreciation.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of debates, what do you think the art community will take away from Auerbach’s death? Are there any particular conversations or trends you foresee emerging as a result?
**Sarah Thompson:** Auerbach’s passing may reignite discussions about the relevance of emotional depth in contemporary portraiture. It poses a question for artists today: how can one convey authenticity and raw emotion in a world that increasingly veers toward digital abstraction and superficial representation? His legacy might encourage a return to more substantive, human-centered art practices.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Sarah, for your insights. To our readers: In light of Auerbach’s extraordinary life and work, how do you think his legacy will shape future artists, and what role should personal history play in the creation of art?
**Sarah Thompson:** That’s a compelling question, and I hope it encourages a rich dialog among readers!
**Interviewer:** Indeed, we look forward to hearing your thoughts. Thank you for your time!