Frank Auerbach, British-German painter

Frank Helmut Auerbach, born on April 29, 1931, is an eminent German-British painter renowned for his intensely expressive portraits and cityscapes, particularly those depicting London. His unique artistic vision is deeply intertwined with a personal history marked by migration and profound artistic dedication.

Born in Berlin, Germany, Auerbach's early life was dramatically shaped by the tumultuous events of the 20th century. At the tender age of seven, in 1939, he was sent to Britain via the Kindertransport, a rescue effort for Jewish children fleeing Nazi persecution. This profound separation from his homeland and family—his parents tragically perished in concentration camps—imprinted a powerful sense of displacement and resilience that arguably informs the visceral intensity of his work. He became a naturalised British subject in 1947, solidifying his identity within his adopted country.

Auerbach’s artistic journey began with studies at St Martin's School of Art and later at the Royal College of Art, and significantly, under David Bomberg at Borough Polytechnic. Bomberg's influence, particularly his emphasis on drawing, structure, and the tactile quality of paint, proved formative for Auerbach. He soon developed a distinctive style characterised by extremely thick applications of paint, known as impasto, often building up and scraping down layers over many sittings, sometimes for months or even years, until the image achieves what he perceives as its essential truth. His primary subjects are a small circle of friends and family, rendered in intimate and often challenging poses, alongside compelling views of his London surroundings, such as Mornington Crescent and Euston Road. Auerbach's commitment to his subjects and his rigorous working method place him among the most significant figures in post-war British art, often associated with the 'School of London' alongside contemporaries like Francis Bacon, Lucian Freud, R.B. Kitaj, and Leon Kossoff, who similarly focused on the human figure and urban landscape with intense, personal vision.

Frequently Asked Questions About Frank Auerbach

What is Frank Auerbach primarily known for?
Frank Auerbach is renowned for his highly textured, expressionistic paintings, particularly his portraits and London cityscapes. He is famous for his extensive use of impasto, applying paint in thick, sculptural layers over long periods to capture the essence and presence of his subjects.
When and where was Frank Auerbach born?
He was born on April 29, 1931, in Berlin, Germany.
What is his nationality?
Frank Auerbach is a German-British painter. He was born in Germany and became a naturalised British subject in 1947.
How did he come to live in Britain?
Auerbach arrived in Britain in 1939 as a child via the Kindertransport, a rescue mission for Jewish children fleeing Nazi Germany.
Is Frank Auerbach still alive and active?
Yes, as of the current date, Frank Auerbach is still alive and continues to work, demonstrating remarkable longevity and dedication to his artistic practice.