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 Auerbach’s personal history and experiences as a Holocaust survivor inform the emotional depth present in his artwork?
**Interview with Art Critic Sarah Mitchell on the Legacy of Frank Auerbach**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Sarah. The art world is currently mourning the loss of Frank Auerbach, who passed away recently at the age of 93. As a leading figure in British art and one of the prominent names of the London School, how do you assess his impact on contemporary art?
**Sarah Mitchell:** Thank you for having me. Frank Auerbach’s impact is profound and multifaceted. He was not just a painter but a revolutionary figure in portraiture. His unique approach, characterized by dense color and abstraction, has redefined how we view the human form in art. His thick impasto and expressive style communicate emotions that are often difficult to encapsulate in words, and this has opened new pathways for artists who followed him.
**Interviewer:** With a career that spanned over seven decades and key milestones like his representation at the Venice Biennale and major retrospectives, how do you think Auerbach’s experiences, particularly his early life fleeing Nazi Germany, shaped his artistic vision?
**Sarah Mitchell:** Auerbach’s early life experiences undeniably shaped his worldview and artistic voice. The trauma of losing his parents and escaping persecution infused a sense of urgency and depth into his work. His portraits often convey profound psychological insight, possibly reflecting his own complexities and experiences. The fact that he could channel such pain into extraordinary beauty is a testament to his skill and understanding of the human condition.
**Interviewer:** Following the release of the comprehensive study “Frank Auerbach: Drawings of People,” which delves into the intricacies of his portraits, what do you believe is the key takeaway for both art lovers and emerging artists?
**Sarah Mitchell:** The book reveals Auerbach’s meticulous process and his relentless pursuit of capturing the essence of his subjects. For art lovers, it offers a deeper appreciation of the nuances in his work. For emerging artists, it serves as a reminder that great art often requires patience, exploration, and a willingness to confront difficult themes. Auerbach’s dedication to his craft encourages new generations to push boundaries and explore their own emotional landscapes through art.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, his death has prompted a discussion about the legacy of artists from the London School. Do you think Auerbach’s passing will lead to a reevaluation of this movement, and what direction might this take the conversation in the art community?
**Sarah Mitchell:** Absolutely, I believe Auerbach’s death will spark debates about the relevance of the London School in contemporary art. As younger artists and critics reflect on his contributions, we may see a resurgence in interest in this movement’s principles. However, it will also challenge us to consider how these ideas fit within today’s diverse artistic expressions. The art community often thrives on dialog, and Auerbach’s legacy will likely catalyze discussions on abstraction, expressionism, and the emotional core of portraiture.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Sarah. It’s a critical time for appreciating the contributions of artists like Frank Auerbach, who shaped our understanding of art in so many ways.
**Sarah Mitchell:** Thank you for having me. It’s important to remember and celebrate the giants in our artistic history.
**Question for Readers:** In light of Frank Auerbach’s groundbreaking contributions to portraiture and the discussion about the London School, do you think we undervalue the historical context of artists when we evaluate contemporary art? What are your thoughts on the relevance of such movements in today’s art scene?