Frank Auerbach: Artist Dies At 92

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Post on Nov 13, 2024

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Frank Auerbach: A Life in Paint, 1931-2023

Frank Auerbach, the renowned British painter known for his intensely textured, often somber, and deeply personal works, died on October 7, 2023, at the age of 92. His death marks the end of an era in British art, leaving behind a legacy of powerful and enduring paintings that celebrated the human condition and the transformative power of art.

Born in Berlin in 1931, Auerbach's early life was profoundly impacted by the rise of Nazism. His family fled to England in 1939, escaping the horrors of the Holocaust. This experience of displacement and loss would forever shape his artistic vision, infusing his work with a palpable sense of urgency and melancholy.

Auerbach's artistic journey began at the Slade School of Fine Art in London, where he studied under William Coldstream. His early paintings were characterized by their strict realism, reflecting the school's emphasis on meticulous observation and draftsmanship. However, Auerbach soon diverged from this approach, developing his own distinctive style that embraced the emotional and expressive qualities of paint.

His signature technique involved layering thick impasto, building up the paint surface with repeated applications of oil and turpentine. This process, often described as "sculptural," resulted in paintings with a palpable physical presence, evoking a sense of depth and texture that transcended the canvas.

Auerbach was known for his unwavering focus on a select group of subjects, particularly his wife, Julia, and close friends like E.J. Bowles and his landlord, Mr. and Mrs. Sutton. He painted them repeatedly, often in the same poses, capturing the subtle changes of their features over time. This sustained engagement with his subjects allowed him to delve into the depths of their humanity, revealing their vulnerabilities and strengths with raw honesty.

Beyond his portraits, Auerbach explored the landscapes of London, particularly the streets around his studio in Mornington Crescent. These paintings often depicted the city as a place of constant change and flux, capturing the fleeting moments of everyday life with a keen sense of observation.

Despite his profound artistic achievements, Auerbach remained a private and elusive figure, shunning the limelight and avoiding interviews. His work spoke for itself, resonating with viewers on an emotional and visceral level.

The passing of Frank Auerbach is a significant loss for the art world. His unique style, characterized by its raw emotionality, depth, and enduring power, will continue to inspire generations of artists and art lovers alike. His legacy is not simply a collection of paintings, but a testament to the transformative power of art, its ability to capture the essence of human experience and leave an indelible mark on our collective memory.