**Obituary: Frank Auerbach, Painter, Dies**

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Post on Nov 13, 2024

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Obituary: Frank Auerbach, Painter, Dies at 94

Frank Auerbach, a renowned British painter known for his intensely expressive and emotionally charged portraits and cityscapes, passed away on October 26, 2023, at the age of 94. His unique style, characterized by thick layers of impasto paint and a raw, visceral energy, has earned him a place as one of the most significant figurative artists of the 20th and 21st centuries.

A Life Dedicated to Art

Born in Berlin in 1931, Auerbach fled Nazi Germany with his family in 1939. After arriving in England, he found refuge in art, attending the Borough Polytechnic in London and later the prestigious Slade School of Fine Art. While he experimented with various mediums, including sculpture and printmaking, his true calling lay in painting.

The Power of Repetition and Observation

Auerbach's artistic practice revolved around the principles of repetition and observation. He would often paint the same subjects, including his long-term partner, Julia, and his beloved London neighborhoods, over and over again, seeking to capture the essence of their physicality and emotional complexity. His signature impasto technique, applying thick layers of paint with a palette knife, became a hallmark of his work, creating a tangible sense of depth and movement.

Recognition and Legacy

Throughout his career, Auerbach received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Turner Prize in 1999. His works are held in prestigious collections worldwide, including the Tate Modern and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The artist's relentless dedication to his craft, his unwavering focus on capturing the human condition, and his unique artistic vision have cemented his place in the history of art.

A Lasting Influence

Frank Auerbach's death marks the end of an era in British art. His work continues to inspire artists and art lovers alike, leaving a lasting legacy of raw expression, emotional depth, and a celebration of the human form. Though he may be gone, his paintings will remain, powerful testaments to his enduring talent and his dedication to the art of observation.

Keywords: Frank Auerbach, painter, obituary, death, British art, portraiture, cityscape, impasto, Turner Prize, Tate Modern, Metropolitan Museum of Art, legacy, artist, expressionism, figurative art, London, Julia, Borough Polytechnic, Slade School of Fine Art.