Auerbach, Frank
AUERBACH, FRANK
AUERBACH, FRANK (1931– ), English artist. Auerbach was sent to London from Berlin by his parents at the age of eight; he never saw them again. Auerbach studied in London at the St. Martin's School of Art and the Royal College of Art, and also attended classes held by David *Bomberg, who influenced his work. Auerbach held his first exhibition in 1956. His work is expressionist, showing delicate care in composition and sound draftsmanship, and often evokes a sense of tragedy. He is also known for his figurative paintings, often of his friends, and for his urban landscapes. Major exhibitions of his works were held at the Hayward Gallery in London in 1978, the National Gallery in 1995, and the Royal Academy in 2002. In 2000 the Tate Modern opened a room devoted to his works. Auerbach is regarded as one of the most important and influential contemporary expressionistic artists. He has worked from the same studio in Camden, London, for more than 50 years, painting every day.
add. bibliography:
R. Hughes, Frank Auerbach (1990); C. Lampert, N. Rosenthal, and I. Carlisle, Frank Auerbach: Paintings and Drawings, 1945–2001 (2001).