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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In what ways did Frank Auerbach’s relationships with contemporaries like Francis Bacon and Lucian Freud contribute to the evolution of British art during his career?
**Interviewer:** Today, we honor the legacy of Frank Auerbach, who passed away at the age of 93. Joining us is art historian and critic, Dr. Emma Clarke. Dr. Clarke, Auerbach is hailed as a leading figure in the London School of painting. What do you think made his work stand out in such a vibrant art scene?
**Dr. Clarke:** Auerbach’s unique approach to portraiture and his use of dense, textured layers of paint certainly set him apart. He had the ability to convey profound emotion and depth through abstraction, which was quite groundbreaking. His depictions of both people and the urban landscape of Camden tell stories that resonate with viewers on many levels.
**Interviewer:** His early life experiences undoubtedly shaped his work, especially his escape from Nazi Germany. How do you think his background influenced his artistic perspective?
**Dr. Clarke:** Auerbach’s traumatic past infused his art with a sense of urgency and poignancy. The despair. Overcoming those early tragedies might have propelled him to delve deeply into the human experience, both externally and internally, revealing the complexities of identity through his portraits.
**Interviewer:** His career spanned over seven decades, and he interacted with many influential artists. Considering this, how do you view his relationship with contemporaries like Francis Bacon and Lucian Freud?
**Dr. Clarke:** Auerbach, Bacon, and Freud each possessed a distinct style, yet they were united by their focus on the human figure. They pushed boundaries together, each influencing the others’ work while also carving their unique paths. This interplay among them enriched British art, making it widely recognized on the global stage.
**Interviewer:** with the release of “Frank Auerbach: Drawings of People” in 2022, do you think there is a resurgence of interest in his work? What does this say about the current art landscape?
**Dr. Clarke:** Absolutely, the thorough examination of his portraits through this publication shows a renewed appreciation for his contribution to modern art. As we reflect on identity and representation in today’s society, Auerbach’s work prompts essential conversations. I believe this movement could ignite a debate: Do contemporary artists have a responsibility to draw on historical experiences, such as Auerbach’s, to inform their work today? I’d love to hear viewers’ thoughts on this!
