Georg Baselitz, the German painter and sculptor whose provocative, often upside-down figures made him one of the most influential artists of the postwar era, has died at the age of 88. His death was confirmed by his gallery, Thaddaeus Ropac, on Thursday.
Early Life and Career
Born Hans-Georg Kern on January 23, 1938, in Deutschbaselitz, Saxony, Baselitz grew up in Nazi Germany and later in East Germany. He studied painting in West Berlin after fleeing the East in 1957. His early work was deeply influenced by the trauma of war and the legacy of German history.
Rise to Prominence
Baselitz gained international attention in the 1960s with his "Fracture" paintings, which featured fragmented, distorted figures. He became known for his bold, expressive style and his decision to paint subjects upside down, a technique he adopted in 1969 to challenge traditional perception and representation. This signature approach made his work instantly recognizable.
Major Works and Exhibitions
His oeuvre includes iconic series such as "The Great Friends" (1965) and "The Evening" (1966), as well as numerous sculptures in wood. Baselitz represented Germany at the Venice Biennale in 1980 and had major retrospectives at the Royal Academy in London, the Centre Pompidou in Paris, and the Guggenheim Museum in New York.
Legacy and Influence
Baselitz is considered a key figure in Neo-Expressionism, alongside artists like Anselm Kiefer and Jörg Immendorff. His work challenged conventions of figuration and abstraction, influencing generations of artists. Despite controversy—including a 1963 exhibition that was shut down for obscenity—he remained a towering presence in the art world.
He is survived by his wife, the artist Elke Baselitz, and their children. His legacy endures in museums and collections worldwide.
