Famous German born British Expressionist Figurative painter Frank Auerbach is exceptionally known for bringing about an innovative and distinct style. His subjects included female models, mainly Julia his wife, Juliet a professional model, & Estella his girlfriend, or landscapes around his London home at Camden. Born on April 29, 1931, in Berlin, Germany, Auerbach had a very traumatic childhood. In 1939, his parents, both Jewish artists, sent him to a refugee boarding school, Bunce Court, at Kent, England. Soon after, he lost his parents to the Nazis in a concentration camp. Anglo-Irish-American writer Iris Origo sponsored the rest of Frank's education at the school. At Bunce Court, his artistic and acting talent were recognized. The tragic loss of parents clearly reflected in his paintings through the usage of colors. His Expressionist competence fetched him immense admiration right from a very early age. He was acknowledged as a master in painting post the World War II (1939-45).
In 1947, Frank Auerbach took British citizenship. He received his art training in London at St Martin's School of Art and the Royal College of Art (RCA). At the age of seventeen, Auerbach met the 32-year-old Estella Olive West, an actor and a boarding operator. They had a long romantic relationship for 23 years. Estella featured regularly in Frank's paintings. In 1955, he exhibited his works of Estella at RCA. Soon after in 1956, he got an opportunity to exhibit at the famous Beaux-Arts Gallery, London. The show gathered high appreciations from art lovers and critics, alike. Through 1955-63, Frank continued exhibiting with the gallery. During 1958-65, Frank was a permanent member of the Camberwell School of Arts and Crafts, London. Meanwhile, in 1958, he also married his classmate at RCA Julia Wolstenholme. The couple had a son, but the marriage did not last owing to his ongoing affair with Estella.
Auerbach follows the Expressionistic style of painting where emotions hold prime importance. His works involve tremendous labor. Auerbach also introduced the painting style called as Impasto in his works. In Impasto, paintings are layered with many earthly colors. The paint on the artist's canvass gets so flat and heavy that it seems sculpted rather than painted. His another distinguishing style of painting involves heavy sheets of paper instead of canvass, as evident in his famous painting 'Head of Julia' (1960). The heavy paint in this work predominantly surrounds the subject's head.
After his breakup with Estella, Frank and Julia reunited in 1976. Auerbach successfully exhibited at various shows where he gathered heavy praises and recognition. His first show was held in 1978 by the Arts Council of Great Britain in London. His major show was in 1986 entitled 'Frank Auerbach: Paintings and Drawings 1977-85' at the Venice Biennale. His compiled works of thirty years was exhibited in 1995 under the title 'Frank Auerbach at the National Gallery: Working after the Masters.' His other major collections are included in the famous Tate Gallery. In 2001, the Royal Academy of Art marked the painter's 71st birthday with a retrospective exhibition of his timeless work. Auerbach continues to be a thorough inspiration and a guide to many of his followers.
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Price : $129.99
