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 and experiences shape his approach to portraiture and abstraction in his artwork?
**Interview with Art Historian Dr. Emily Carter on the Legacy of Frank Auerbach**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Carter. Frank Auerbach, a monumental figure in British art, recently passed away at 93. How do you believe his unique style, particularly his use of dense color and abstraction, has impacted modern art?
**Dr. Carter:** Thank you for having me. Auerbach’s impact is profound. His ability to infuse traditional portraiture with bold colors and thick paint layers broke away from conventional techniques, influencing not just his contemporaries, like Francis Bacon and Lucian Freud, but also younger artists today. He challenged the notion of what portraiture could be, urging artists to explore emotion and depth in ways that traditional artworks often didn’t.
**Interviewer:** It’s interesting that you mention emotion. Auerbach fled Nazi Germany as a child and lost his parents to the Holocaust. How do you think his personal history influenced his artistic expression?
**Dr. Carter:** That tragic background is pivotal. Auerbach’s experiences of loss and uprooting are deeply woven into his art. He often revisited themes of identity, memory, and perception, which resonate with many viewers on a personal level. His portraits are not merely physical representations but rather reflections of psychological states, which can be traced back to his tumultuous childhood. This connection invites viewers not only to appreciate the aesthetic but also to engage with the history behind the works.
**Interviewer:** Given his significant contributions, how do you think Auerbach will be remembered in the broader context of art history?
**Dr. Carter:** Auerbach will undoubtedly be celebrated as a leading figure of the London School, but I believe his legacy goes beyond that. He will be remembered for his fearless experimentation and for pushing boundaries in visual storytelling. The recent release of “Frank Auerbach: Drawings of People” highlights this complexity and will likely emerge as a critical text in understanding his work.
**Interviewer:** As we reflect on Auerbach’s legacy, what do you think his passing means for the current art scene? Will it spark a new wave of interest in his techniques and themes?
**Dr. Carter:** Absolutely. His passing could reignite interest in his work, particularly since art often goes through cycles where historical figures are revisited for inspiration. Additionally, discussions about his techniques could prompt contemporary artists to explore similar themes of abstraction and emotional depth, fostering dialog about the narratives behind the art.
**Interviewer:** Final question, Dr. Carter—how do you think the public should engage with Auerbach’s work in this moment of reflection?
**Dr. Carter:** I encourage everyone to look beyond the surface of Auerbach’s paintings. His work deserves a deep exploration—viewers should consider not only the formal qualities but also the stories and emotions that inform them. And this leads to an interesting question: In a world increasingly dominated by digital art and fast consumption, how do we cultivate a deeper appreciation for complex, traditional art forms such as those Auerbach created?
**Interviewer:** That’s a thought-provoking question, Dr. Carter. Thank you for sharing your insights on Frank Auerbach’s remarkable legacy.