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 innovative techniques did Frank Auerbach use in his portraiture that set him apart from other artists of the London School?
**Interview with Art Historian Dr. Sarah Jennings on the Legacy of Frank Auerbach**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Jennings. Frank Auerbach, a leading figure in British art history, has passed away at the age of 93. What are your thoughts on the impact he made in the world of art, particularly with his approach to portraiture?
**Dr. Jennings:** Auerbach’s contributions to portraiture are truly remarkable. He broke new ground with his use of dense color and abstraction, creating a style that was both expressive and innovative. His thick layers of paint and distinctive palette set him apart from his contemporaries, and his works have continually challenged viewers to engage with the subject matter on a deeper level.
**Interviewer:** He was considered part of the London School alongside artists like Francis Bacon and Lucian Freud. How would you compare his work to theirs, and what unique qualities did Auerbach bring to the table?
**Dr. Jennings:** While Bacon and Freud delved deeply into the human condition with their often unsettling representations, Auerbach’s portraits feel more like encounters with the subject rather than mere depictions. His works convey a tactile sense of existence, reflecting his own experiences and struggles. The physicality of his painting style creates an atmosphere that invites interpretation, making each piece a personal dialog between the viewer and the subject.
**Interviewer:** Auerbach fled Nazi Germany as a child and experienced immense personal loss. How do you think his background influenced his artistic vision?
**Dr. Jennings:** Auerbach’s tumultuous beginnings certainly shaped his artistic voice. The trauma of his early life is palpable in his work; it informs his exploration of identity and memory. His story resonates not only through his subjects but also through the raw energy of his technique. This sense of urgency and exploration of the human experience undoubtedly stemmed from his own life experiences.
**Interviewer:** Reflecting on his extensive career, which includes prominent exhibitions and awards, what do you believe will be his lasting legacy in the art world?
**Dr. Jennings:** Auerbach’s legacy will likely be defined by his innovative techniques and the emotional depth of his work. He has inspired generations of artists to pursue authenticity in their representations. As art continues to evolve, the lessons embedded in Auerbach’s approach—such as the intersection of personal narrative and artistic expression—will undoubtedly continue to influence future generations.
**Interviewer:** Such a profound impact indeed. As we look back on Auerbach’s body of work, how do you anticipate audiences will react to his art in the years to come?
**Dr. Jennings:** Audiences may see more layers of meaning as discussions around identity, memory, and abstraction evolve. I anticipate that his work will spark debates on contemporary portraiture and the role of personal history in art. How much should an artist’s background influence interpretation? Auerbach’s art invites us to consider these questions, and I believe that’s where the real engagement lies.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Jennings. To our readers, we pose this question: As we remember Frank Auerbach, how do you think his unique approach to portraiture challenges our perceptions of identity in the art world today? We invite you to share your thoughts and engage in what promises to be a rich dialog on his enduring legacy.
