Painter Frank Auerbach Passes At 93

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Post on Nov 13, 2024

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Frank Auerbach, Renowned British Painter of the Human Figure, Dies at 93

London, UK - Renowned British painter Frank Auerbach, celebrated for his intensely expressive and fiercely individualistic portraits, has passed away at the age of 93. Auerbach's death, confirmed by his gallery Marlborough Fine Art, marks the passing of a legendary figure in the art world, whose work challenged and captivated audiences for over six decades.

Auerbach's artistic journey was marked by an unwavering commitment to his subject matter: the human figure. His works, often characterized by thick impasto, stark compositions, and a raw, almost brutal honesty, captured the essence of his sitters, revealing their vulnerabilities and complexities. He built his figures, most often friends and family, through layers of paint, each stroke imbued with an undeniable sense of presence and emotion.

Born in Berlin in 1931, Auerbach's life was forever shaped by the horrors of World War II. He fled Nazi Germany with his family in 1939, arriving in England as a refugee. This experience, along with his early artistic influences – Picasso, Rembrandt, and Van Gogh – contributed to his mature style, one that was both deeply personal and powerfully universal.

Auerbach's artistic career was punctuated by a series of significant exhibitions, including retrospectives at the Tate Gallery (1984) and the Royal Academy of Arts (1998), which cemented his reputation as a major contemporary artist. He was awarded the prestigious Order of Merit in 2008, a testament to his exceptional contribution to British art.

Throughout his life, Auerbach maintained a consistent routine, working relentlessly in his London studio. This dedicated approach yielded a prolific body of work, his canvases often adorned with titles like "Head of E.O." or "J.Y. in the Studio," revealing his dedication to capturing the essence of his close circle.

Auerbach's influence on contemporary art is undeniable. His distinctive style, marked by its raw emotionality and relentless focus on the human form, has inspired countless artists and continues to resonate with audiences around the world. He leaves behind a legacy of powerful and evocative art, forever reminding us of the enduring power of human expression.