Frank Auerbach

Frank Auerbach, a German-born British painter of Jewish descent, was born in Berlin on April 29, 1931. After moving to the United Kingdom in 1939, he became a British citizen in 1947. He studied in London under David Bomberg at the Borough Polytechnic (1947-48), and later attended the St. Martin’s School of Art (1948-52) and the Royal College of Art (1952-55). It was at the Royal College where he formed a lasting friendship with painter Leon Kossoff. Between 1956 and 1968, Auerbach also worked as an educator at several secondary schools in London and at the Slade School of Art. Auerbach’s artistic work is characterized by an expressive, personal style, with a focus on materiality and gestural brushstrokes. His subjects are often familiar to him, particularly urban landscapes and portraits, such as *Maples Demolition, Euston Road* (1960) and *Head of J.Y.M. III* (1980). His paintings, developed through a long process, feature thick layers of paint, applied with his hands or large spatulas, creating distinctive three-dimensional effects. Some of his well-known later works include *Head of Julia II* (1990), *The Chimney, Mornington Crescent* (1991-92), and *From the Studios* (1992). Auerbach is also known for his prints and drawings in charcoal or chalk, which often serve as preparatory works for his paintings. Auerbach represented Great Britain at the 1986 Venice Biennale, where he was awarded the best artist prize alongside Sigmar Polke. His works have been featured in numerous solo exhibitions, such as *Frank Auerbach: Paintings and Drawings 1977-1985* (1986, British Council, London), *Frank Auerbach* (1990, Marlborough Gallery, London), and *City Scapes: A Survey of Urban Landscape* (1997, Marlborough Gallery, New York).