Frank Auerbach: A Life Painted in Thick Emotion

Born in Berlin in 1931, Frank Auerbach’s life was profoundly shaped by the tumultuous events of the early 20th century. His Jewish heritage and his family's escape from Nazi Germany to England in 1939 cast a long shadow over his artistic development, influencing not only his subject matter but also the intensely personal and emotionally charged nature of his work. His childhood was spent at Bunce Court, a progressive boarding school in Kent, a haven for refugee children, fostering an environment that valued creativity and individual expression – values he would carry with him throughout his career. The trauma of losing his parents during World War II fueled a deep-seated sense of loss and isolation, themes that resonate powerfully within the layers of paint characteristic of his paintings.

Auerbach’s formal artistic training began at St Martin's School of Art in London, where he studied under David Bomberg. This early mentorship proved crucial, introducing him to a more direct approach to painting – one emphasizing form and structure over meticulous detail. He continued his studies at the Royal College of Art, but it was during his time with Leon Kossoff that he truly began to forge his distinctive style. Their shared experiences as refugee artists navigating post-war Britain created a powerful bond, influencing their artistic perspectives and pushing them both toward exploring themes of urban life and emotional intensity.

Auerbach’s studio in London has remained the same since the 1950s, a testament to his unwavering commitment to his craft. He rarely ventured far from the city, drawing inspiration from the familiar streets of Mornington Crescent and the faces of his chosen models: Julia, Juliet Yardley Mills ('J.Y.M.'), and Stella West ('E.O.W.). These figures – often depicted in states of quiet contemplation or vulnerability – became recurring subjects, their presence imbued with a palpable sense of intimacy and psychological depth. His use of paint was revolutionary; Auerbach built up layers upon layers of thick, impastoed paint, creating surfaces that seem to pulsate with emotion. Critics initially struggled to categorize his work, often describing it as ‘sculpture’ rather than ‘painting,’ recognizing the physicality and three-dimensionality of his application.

The School of London and a Unique Voice

Auerbach's artistic journey is inextricably linked to the "School of London," a group of British artists who emerged in the post-war era, rejecting the prevailing modernist trends and forging their own distinct visual language. Figures like Kossoff, Bomberg, and later Lucian Freud, shared a commitment to depicting the realities of urban life with unflinching honesty and emotional intensity. Auerbach’s work stands apart within this group, however, due to its intensely subjective and deeply personal nature. Unlike some of his contemporaries who favored a more detached observation, Auerbach poured his own feelings – grief, loneliness, and a profound sense of displacement – directly onto the canvas.

His early exhibitions at the Beaux-Arts Gallery were met with mixed reactions. While some critics recognized his innovative approach, others dismissed his work as overly crude or lacking in technical skill. However, David Sylvester’s insightful review in *The Listener* in 1956 proved pivotal, arguing that Auerbach's paintings, despite their seemingly chaotic application of paint, were fundamentally painterly images – imbued with psychological impact rather than sculptural form. This recognition helped to establish Auerbach as a significant voice within the School of London and beyond.

Technique and Emotional Intensity

Auerbach’s technique is instantly recognizable—a deliberate rejection of traditional painting methods in favor of raw, expressive application. He employed large brushes, often applying paint directly from the tube, creating thick, uneven surfaces that seem to writhe with energy. The colors are typically muted – browns, ochres, and greys – but these somber tones are punctuated by flashes of brighter hues, suggesting a struggle between hope and despair. The layering of paint is not merely decorative; it’s a process of building up emotional weight, creating a sense of depth and complexity that invites the viewer to engage with the painting on a visceral level.

His use of modeling wax and other materials further contributes to the physicality of his work. Auerbach often worked directly on the canvas, applying paint with his hands as well as brushes, blurring the boundaries between artist and artwork. This intimate process results in paintings that feel intensely personal—as if they were created from a deep well of emotion.

Legacy and Recognition

Frank Auerbach’s work gained increasing recognition throughout his career, culminating in a retrospective exhibition at the Hayward Gallery in 1978. His paintings are now held in major collections around the world, including the Tate Collection and the British Museum. Despite facing criticism early in his career, Auerbach remained steadfast in his artistic vision, producing a body of work that is both profoundly moving and undeniably original.

He died in 1981, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most important and emotionally resonant painters of the late 20th century. His paintings continue to captivate viewers with their raw honesty, intense emotion, and unique visual language—a testament to the power of art to express the deepest recesses of the human experience.