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 are the key elements of Frank Auerbach’s artistic style that continue to influence contemporary portrait artists today?
**Interview with Art Critic Clara Jensen on the Legacy of Frank Auerbach**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Clara. Frank Auerbach’s passing at the age of 93 marks the loss of a significant figure in British art. What are your thoughts on his impact within the London School and the art community at large?
**Clara Jensen:** Thank you for having me. Auerbach’s contributions to the London School are monumental. He not only pushed boundaries with his unique approach to portraiture but also embraced the emotional weight of color and texture. His ability to convey depth through thick layers of paint truly set him apart from his contemporaries like Francis Bacon and Lucian Freud.
**Editor:** His work has been described as having both density and abstraction. How do you think this combination influenced modern portrait artists?
**Clara Jensen:** I believe Auerbach’s style opened new avenues for expression in portrait painting. His technique challenges artists to consider not just the likeness of their subjects but also to evoke a sense of place and emotion. These elements can provoke deeper connections with viewers. As more contemporary artists explore abstraction in their work, Auerbach’s influence can be seen in their willingness to experiment.
**Editor:** Auerbach was a Holocaust survivor, which adds a profound layer to his narrative. How do you think his personal history informed his art?
**Clara Jensen:** Auerbach’s experiences as a child fleeing Nazi Germany undoubtedly shaped his artistic voice. The struggle for identity and the trauma of loss permeate much of his work. Many art critics believe that artists like Auerbach transform their personal history into universal themes, allowing viewers to connect on various emotional levels. It raises the question of how personal narratives can challenge or enhance artistic expression.
**Editor:** In light of his recent passing and the release of his comprehensive study, “Frank Auerbach: Drawings of People,” do you think his legacy will continue to resonate in future generations?
**Clara Jensen:** Absolutely. The complexity of Auerbach’s portraits, as highlighted in the recent publication, reveals layers of thought and technique that will educate and inspire future artists. His innovative approach is essential for understanding the evolution of modern art. The debate now lies in how contemporary artists will interpret or diverge from his legacy.
**Editor:** That leads us to an important question for our readers: **In a world increasingly driven by digital art forms, how do you envision the relevance of traditional painting and the techniques of artists like Auerbach evolving in the coming years? Will they remain a core part of artistic education and practice, or will they fade into history?**
