Frank Auerbach: A Life In Art

Brembo

You need 3 min read

·

Post on Nov 13, 2024

29 visitor like this post

Share

Frank Auerbach: A Life in Art

Frank Auerbach, born in Berlin in 1931, is considered one of the most significant British artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. His career, spanning over seven decades, has been defined by a relentless pursuit of truth and beauty in the human form, captured through a singular style that is both raw and poetic.

Auerbach's early life was shaped by trauma. He fled Nazi Germany with his family in 1939 and settled in London, where he experienced the hardships of wartime England. This profound experience, coupled with a fascination with art history, particularly the work of Rembrandt and Cézanne, ignited his artistic passion.

He attended the Borough Polytechnic Art School, where he studied under Frank Dobson, a renowned sculptor. However, it was at the St. Martin's School of Art that Auerbach found his artistic voice. Here, he met fellow students like Leon Kossoff and E. R. N. Grigson, who would become lifelong friends and artistic influences.

Auerbach's style emerged from a deep engagement with the figure. He rejected the prevailing abstract tendencies of the time, choosing instead to explore the human form through a process of repeated, obsessive drawing and painting. He honed his distinctive technique, known as "impasto," where thick layers of oil paint are applied to the canvas, creating a textured, almost sculptural surface. This technique, combined with his use of muted colours and a palette primarily consisting of browns, blacks, and blues, gives his work an undeniable physicality.

Auerbach is renowned for his portraiture. He often painted the same individuals over and over, capturing their essence through a process of patient observation and exploration. His most famous subjects include his longtime muse, Julia, and close friends like J.Y. Davies and William Feaver. He also painted self-portraits, offering a glimpse into the artist's own anxieties and struggles.

Auerbach's paintings are not merely representations of the human form, but rather explorations of its essence. He uses his bold brushstrokes and thick layers of paint to convey the passage of time, the weight of emotions, and the vulnerability of the human condition. His work, while rooted in realism, transcends the boundaries of representational art, revealing an underlying emotional depth and a profound understanding of the human experience.

Despite his fame, Auerbach remained a private figure, choosing to focus on his work rather than seeking public acclaim. His dedication to his art, his unflinching honesty, and his unwavering commitment to exploring the human form have earned him a unique place in art history. His legacy lies not only in his impressive body of work, but also in his enduring impact on generations of artists who continue to be inspired by his singular vision.

Auerbach's work continues to be exhibited worldwide, attracting a growing audience who are drawn to the raw power and emotional honesty of his paintings. Through his art, Auerbach offers a powerful reminder of the enduring relevance of the human figure and the transformative power of art to capture the complexities of life and the depths of the human spirit.