Georg Baselitz

Georg Baselitz, a multifaceted artist hailing from Germany, is celebrated for his prowess in painting, sculpture, and graphic art, particularly renowned for his exploration of figuration and provocative themes. His creative vision draws inspiration from a diverse array of writers and artists, including Antonin Artaud, Samuel Beckett, Edvard Munch, Jean Dubuffet, Willem de Kooning, Joseph Beuys, and the expressionist artist association Die Brücke.

Biography of Georg Baselitz

Georg Baselitz, originally named Hans-Georg Kern, was born in 1938 in Deutschbaselitz, Germany. In 1961, he adopted the name Georg Baselitz as a homage to his hometown. His artistic journey began early, with a passion for painting emerging by the age of 15 while attending the local school in Kamenz.

In 1956, Baselitz enrolled at the Hochschule für Bildende und Angewandte Kunst in East Berlin. However, after just two semesters, he was expelled due to his divergence from the socialist ideologies of the DDR, labeled as "sociopolitical immaturity." Undeterred, Baselitz resumed his studies in 1957 at the Hochschule der Künste in West Berlin, where he delved into the theories of artists such as Ernst Wilhelm Nay, Wassily Kandinsky, and Kazimir Malevich. During this period, around 1959 to 1960, Baselitz began to develop his distinctive artistic style, producing works like the Rayski-Head series and the painting "G. Head."

Baselitz's first solo exhibition in West Berlin took place in 1963, where some of his works were seized for their controversial content. He further honed his craft during a stint at Schloß Wolfsburg in 1964, creating his first etchings.

Throughout the 1970s, Baselitz exhibited regularly at Munich's Galerie Heiner Friedrich and participated in prestigious events such as Documenta 5 in Kassel in 1972. Baselitz began teaching at the Staatliche Akademie der Bildenden Künste in Karlsruhe, later becoming a professor in 1978.

In the following decades, Baselitz continued to push artistic boundaries, showcasing his first sculpture at the Venice Biennale in 1980 and expanding his presence in New York with exhibitions in 1981. He accepted a professorship at the Hochschule der Künste Berlin in 1983. Notable exhibitions, such as the 1990 showcase in East Germany's Nationalgalerie im Alten Museum and the 1995 retrospective at the Guggenheim in New York City, solidified his status as a prominent figure in the art world.

Today, Baselitz remains active, with retrospectives of his work held worldwide, continuing to inspire and challenge audiences with his bold and provocative creations.

Georg Baselitz's Art Style: From Heroes to Lucidity

Baselitz's art style evolved significantly throughout his career, marked by distinct phases and techniques that reflected his evolving themes and influences.

During the mid-1960s, Baselitz created the series "Heroes" (Helden, also known as Neue Typen), spanning from 1965 to 1966. This series depicted a metaphorical image of a man devoid of nationality or belonging, symbolically discarding the illusory and megalomaniacal ideals associated with the Third Reich and East Germany. The figures in these works often appeared desolate, broken, and ragged, serving as powerful commentaries on the societal and political upheavals of the time.

In the 1970s, Baselitz shifted his focus to landscapes, exploring the theme of "pictures-within-a-picture." These works often featured layered compositions, with landscapes serving as the backdrop for smaller, inset scenes or motifs.

Transitioning into the late 1970s and early 1980s, Baselitz experimented with large-format linocuts, expanding his artistic repertoire to include printmaking. Additionally, during this period, he delved into diptychs, employing the tempera painting technique to create monumental works that spanned multiple panels. Christian motifs also began to feature prominently in his artwork, adding layers of symbolism and allegory to his compositions.

Since the 1990s, Baselitz's style has undergone further evolution, focusing on lucidity and smooth changes. While still retaining his signature figurative approach, his later works exhibit a more refined aesthetic, characterized by subtle shifts in tone and texture.

Throughout his career, Baselitz's art style has been characterized by a bold, expressive quality, marked by dynamic brushwork, gestural strokes, and a willingness to challenge artistic conventions.