Frank Auerbach: The Visceral Brushstrokes of a Master Painter
A Titan of British Art
Frank Auerbach is renowned for his bold, expressive, and deeply human figural paintings that have captivated art enthusiasts for over six decades. As a leading figure in the School of London, alongside
Francis Bacon and
Lucian Freud, Auerbach's oeuvre is characterized by its intense emotional power, visceral brushstrokes, and a profound connection to the human experience.
Early Life and Escape from Nazi Persecution
Born on April 29, 1931, in Berlin, Germany, to Max Auerbach, a patent lawyer, and Charlotte Nora Borchardt, a trained artist, Frank's early life was marked by the turbulence of war. Under the influence of British writer Iris Origo, his parents sent him to Britain in 1939, aged seven, via the Kindertransport scheme, which rescued nearly 10,000 mainly Jewish children from Nazi persecution. Tragically, his parents remained in Germany and were killed in the Auschwitz concentration camp in 1942.
Artistic Formation and Influences
In Britain, Auerbach flourished at Bunce Court School, near Faversham in Kent, where he excelled in art and drama classes. His interest in art eventually prevailed, and he began studying in London at St Martins School of Art (1948-1952) and later at the Royal College of Art (1952-1955). However, it was his additional art classes at Londons Borough Polytechnic, under the tutelage of
David Bomberg (1947-1953), that had the most profound impact on his artistic development.
Teaching and Mentorship
From 1955, Auerbach taught in secondary schools, eventually transitioning to the visiting tutor circuit at various art schools, including Bromley, Sidcup, and the Slade School. Notably, he taught one day a week from 1958 to 1965 at Camberwell School of Art, where he influenced and sponsored numerous artists, including Tom Philips, Jenny Saville, and Cecily Brown.
Artistic Style and Themes
Auerbach's paintings are characterized by their bold, almost three-dimensional, impasto textures, and a palette that oscillates between vibrant colors and muted tones. His subjects, often friends and acquaintances, are depicted with a deep sense of empathy and psychological insight. His process is marked by intense scrutiny, revisiting and reworking his canvases until they achieve a state of emotional resonance.
Major Works and Exhibitions
Some of Auerbach's most notable works include
Head of E.O.W. (1961),
Reclining Figure (1966), and
Tandscape with Figure from Window of 6 Langland Gardens (1986). His work has been exhibited at prominent institutions, such as the Tate Britain, the National Gallery, and the Museum of Modern Art, New York.
Philosophical Contributions and Beliefs
Auerbach's artistic philosophy is rooted in his commitment to the human experience, emphasizing the importance of emotional authenticity and psychological depth in his paintings. He has stated, "I'm not interested in making a nice picture, I'm interested in making a picture that's alive."
Awards and Honors
Throughout his career, Auerbach has received numerous accolades, including the Golden Lion for Painting at the Venice Biennale (1986), the Order of Merit (1995), and a Critics' Circle Visual Arts Award for his contribution to British art.
Legacy and Impact
Frank Auerbach's contributions to British art are immeasurable, inspiring generations of artists, including his own students, to explore the boundaries of figurative painting. His paintings continue to captivate audiences worldwide, offering a profound exploration of the human condition. As a testament to his enduring influence, Auerbach's work remains an integral part of the canon of modern British art.
