**Frank Auerbach: A Life In Art (1931-2024)**

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Post on Nov 13, 2024

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Frank Auerbach: A Life in Art (1931-2024)

Frank Auerbach, one of the most celebrated British artists of the 20th and 21st centuries, passed away on October 13, 2024, at the age of 92. His life was a testament to the enduring power of art, his unwavering commitment to his craft, and his relentless exploration of the human form.

Born in Berlin in 1931, Auerbach fled Nazi Germany with his family in 1939, finding refuge in England. He initially studied at the Central School of Arts and Crafts, then at the prestigious Slade School of Fine Art, where he was greatly influenced by artists like Lucian Freud and William Coldstream.

A Unique Artistic Style

Auerbach's artistic style is instantly recognizable. He was known for his expressive, highly textured paintings, often focusing on figurative subjects. His most famous works depict his close friends, family members, and the people he encountered in his daily life in London's East End.

Auerbach's paintings are characterized by:

• Thick, impasto paint application: He built up layers of paint on the canvas, creating a tactile surface that reflects the physicality of the subject.
• Distorted, expressive forms: Auerbach's figures are often rendered in a fragmented and distorted style, capturing the essence of the human form rather than its perfect representation.
• Dark, earthy color palette: His works often employ a limited range of colors, focusing on browns, blacks, and greys, evoking the gritty realism of his chosen subjects.
• Emphasis on light and shadow: Auerbach's masterful use of light and shadow creates a sense of depth and volume in his paintings, enhancing their emotional impact.

A Dedicated Painter: His Artistic Process

Auerbach was a dedicated and meticulous painter. He was known for his unwavering commitment to his subjects, spending countless hours in front of them, capturing their essence through repeated sittings. He often painted the same figures over and over again, revealing their changing moods and expressions.

His artistic process was a testament to his deep respect for the craft:

• Direct observation: He believed in working directly from life, relying on his own observation rather than relying on photographs or sketches.
• Repeated sittings: He would often paint the same subject over many sittings, allowing him to capture the subtle nuances of their presence and personality.
• Layer upon layer: His paintings were built up through layers of paint, carefully applied and reworked, creating a sense of depth and texture.

An Enduring Legacy: Auerbach's Impact

Frank Auerbach's work is celebrated for its raw power, its emotional intensity, and its profound humanity. He was a major figure in British art, and his influence can be seen in the work of many younger artists. He was a recipient of numerous awards, including the prestigious Order of Merit, the highest civilian honour in the UK.

Auerbach's legacy continues to inspire:

• His paintings are held in major collections worldwide, including the Tate Gallery, the National Portrait Gallery, and the Museum of Modern Art.
• He is the subject of numerous books and exhibitions, ensuring that his work continues to be accessible to new generations of viewers.
• His dedication to his craft and his unwavering commitment to artistic exploration are a source of inspiration for artists and art enthusiasts alike.

Frank Auerbach's life was a life dedicated to art, and his work will continue to resonate with viewers for generations to come. He leaves behind a legacy of powerful and moving paintings that celebrate the human experience in all its complexity and beauty.