dead
Frank Auerbach came to Great Britain as a child carrier before the Second World War and was one of the country’s most famous figurative painters. Auerbach has now died at the age of 93.
Frank Auerbach was born in Berlin in April 1931. Eight years later, his Jewish parents decided to send the little boy to Great Britain on Kindertransport. He never saw his parents again; In one of his rare interviews, Auerbach recalled his brief childhood in Berlin:
Auerbach grew up in the English countryside, studied art and in 1954 set up a studio in Camden Town in North London with his fellow student, the painter Leon Kossoff. He worked there almost every hour for the past 70 years until his death: “I don’t know what drives me, I think there is a kind of muse,” says Auerbach.
Along with the other post-war artists of the “London School”, including Francis Bacon and Lucian Freud, Auerbach concentrated on figurative painting despite changing artistic fashions, often covering canvases with thick layers of paint to create almost abstract but create recognizable.
Proceedings at the Venice Biennale
The thick bulges of color were a
Auerbach emerged as a recognized artist in 1986 at the age of 55 when he designed the British pavilion at the Venice Biennale. Together with Sigmar Polke he received the Golden Lion.
Record price last year
Today Frank Auerbach is considered one of the most important representatives of figurative painting in Great Britain. His works are represented in numerous collections, from Tate London to the Royal Academy. Last year, “Mornington Crescent” - one of the many street scenes around his Camden home – sold at Sotheby’s for a record $7.1 million (€6.7 million).
Lampert was one of the few people who painted Frank Auerbach several times. She has been a regular model for him for over 40 years. His wife Julia, whom he met at art school, and his son Jacob were also there. Auerbach did not like to travel the world, but he could explore his neighborhood endlessly, and was very happy when he could swing his brush in silence.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Art Expert
Time.news Editor: Good evening and thank you for joining us. Today, we delve into the artistic legacy of the late Frank Auerbach, who passed away at the age of 93. We are joined by Dr. Emily Harrison, an art historian and expert in post-war British art. Emily, welcome!
Dr. Emily Harrison: Thank you for having me. It’s a bittersweet occasion to celebrate the life and work of such a pivotal artist.
Editor: Indeed. Frank Auerbach’s life is quite remarkable. Born in Berlin in 1931 and sent to Britain via Kindertransport before the Second World War, he never saw his parents again. How did these early experiences shape his art?
Dr. Harrison: Auerbach’s childhood experience of dislocation profoundly influenced his worldview and creative vision. The trauma of displacement can often lead artists to explore themes of identity and memory, which are recurrent throughout his work. He carried that pain and sense of loss into his art, channeling it into a vigorous exploration of the human form and the emotional depth behind it.
Editor: He certainly became one of the most notable figurative painters in Britain. Can you tell us more about his unique style, particularly his approach to figurative painting amidst changing artistic trends?
Dr. Harrison: Auerbach was a pivotal part of the so-called “London School,” alongside contemporaries like Francis Bacon and Lucian Freud. Even as abstract movements gained prominence, he remained committed to figurative work. His technique involved layering thick paint, often recreating forms that straddle the line between abstraction and representation. This method not only showcases his remarkable skill but also reflects a deep engagement with the texture and physicality of the medium.
Editor: He was known for working almost every hour in his Camden Town studio for 70 years. That dedication is quite extraordinary. What does this level of commitment reveal about his mindset as an artist?
Dr. Harrison: Auerbach’s work ethic speaks volumes about his passion and devotion to his craft. He famously expressed uncertainty about what drove him, referring to a “kind of muse.” This suggests an intrinsic motivation and a relentless pursuit of exploration. His studio practice was about grappling with the canvas and the complexities of life itself, which is something many artists strive for but few achieve with such fervor.
Editor: Auerbach’s legacy is certainly profound. In what ways do you think his work will influence future generations of artists?
Dr. Harrison: Auerbach’s insistence on figurative representation, despite the pervading abstract trends, will continue to inspire artists who feel a connection to the human experience. His methods and philosophy about the creative process—focusing on perseverance and emotional depth—will resonate with emerging artists. They can look to him as a model of how to maintain artistic integrity and passion in an ever-evolving artistic landscape.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Harrison, for sharing your insights on Frank Auerbach’s life and work. His contributions to the art world will certainly be remembered and celebrated for years to come.
Dr. Harrison: Thank you for having me. It’s been a privilege to discuss such an influential figure in art history.
Editor: And thank you to our audience for joining us today as we honor Frank Auerbach’s enduring legacy.