Frank Auerbach is a British painter known for his distinctive style of portraiture and urban landscapes, characterized by thick impasto layers of paint and a focus on capturing the essence and physicality of his subjects. He was born on April 29, 1931, in Berlin, Germany, and has been a prominent figure in the London art scene for many decades. Here are some key points about Frank Auerbach and his art:1. **Early Life and Education**: Auerbach's family fled Nazi Germany in 1939 and settled in England. He studied art at several institutions, including the Hampstead Garden Suburb Institute, St. Martin's School of Art, and the Royal College of Art in London.2. **Distinctive Style**: Auerbach's painting style is characterized by thick, textured layers of paint that he applies with a palette knife or his fingers. His approach to portraiture involves multiple sittings with his subjects, resulting in deeply expressive and often emotionally charged portraits.3. **Subjects**: Auerbach is best known for his portraits of friends, family members, and individuals from his immediate surroundings in North London. He is also renowned for his cityscapes of London, particularly those of Camden Town, where he has lived and worked for many years.4. **Repetition and Exploration**: Auerbach often revisits the same subjects repeatedly over the years, exploring variations in light, mood, and texture. This iterative approach allows him to delve deeper into the essence of his subjects and surroundings.5. **Influence of the School of London**: Auerbach was part of a group of artists associated with the "School of London," a term used to describe a group of figurative painters in London during the 20th century. Other prominent artists in this group included Francis Bacon and Lucian Freud.6. **Exhibitions and Recognition**: Auerbach's work has been exhibited in major galleries and museums worldwide, including the Tate Gallery and the National Gallery in London. He has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to contemporary art.7. **Legacy**: Frank Auerbach is considered one of the leading figurative painters of his generation. His innovative approach to paint application and his ability to convey the emotional depth of his subjects have had a lasting impact on the art world.8. **Retrospectives**: Several retrospectives of Auerbach's work have been organized, showcasing the evolution of his artistic style and the range of his subjects. These retrospectives have been influential in shaping the understanding and appreciation of his art.Frank Auerbach's paintings are celebrated for their raw and visceral quality, capturing the intensity of human presence and the energy of the urban environment. His dedication to his craft and his commitment to exploring the nuances of his subjects make him a highly respected and influential artist in contemporary art history.
Measures 17.36 x 17.3.