Georg Baselitz, a name synonymous with artistic innovation and controversy, stands as an imposing figure in the world of contemporary art. Born Hans-Georg Kern in a small German village in 1938, he emerged from a tumultuous period in history to become a pioneering painter, sculptor and graphic artist. Georg Baselitz's journey through life reflects the dramatic shifts and complexities of the 20th century, and his art reflects the scars and victories of post-war Germany.
From his first encounters with art in Stalinist East Germany to his audacious exploration of the human form, Georg Baselitz's career is a testament to his relentless search for artistic truth. His decision to paint his subjects upside down, his controversial statements about women in art, and his unapologetic embrace of his German heritage contribute to this remarkable artist's enigmatic persona.
In this article, we delve into the life and work of Georg Baselitz, a man who defied convention at every turn.
What is the artistic evolution of Georg Baselitz?
Georg Baselitz's artistic evolution is marked by a series of distinct phases throughout his career, each representing a new challenge or direction in his art. Let's analyze some of the most important phases of its evolution:
Home and "Pandemonic Manifestos" (1960s): Early in his career, Georg Baselitz was influenced by German Expressionist art, but he was also determined to reject the conventions of the time. Georg Baselitz and artist Eugen Schönebeck wrote the "Pandemonic Manifestos", expressing their frustration with post-war Germany. His paintings from this time were figurative and often shocking, such as his work "The Big Night Down the Drain", which was subject to censorship due to its explicit content.
"Heroes" Phase (1960s-1970s): In the 1960s, Georg Baselitz turned to the representation of disfigured human figures amid destroyed landscapes, in his series known as "Heroes" or "Helden". These works were painted with a thick impasto technique and evoked the marks of Germany's recent history.
Upside Down Paintings (1970s onwards): In 1969, Georg Baselitz began painting his subjects upside down as a way of challenging traditional representation. These iconic paintings provoked a reconsideration of form and figure, defying viewers' expectations.
Sculpture and Expansion of the Repertoire (1980s): During the 1980s, Georg Baselitz expanded his artistic repertoire to include painted wood sculptures. He also began to incorporate a variety of formal and historical references into his work, including influences from Edvard Munch and Emil Nolde.
Remix and Retrospective (1990s and 2000s): Between 1990 and 2010, Georg Baselitz created a series called "Remix", in which he revisited previous works, reconfiguring them in innovative ways. This allowed him to further explore the subtleties of his previous work and reflect on the painting itself.
More Linear and Abstract Works (2010s onwards): Georg Baselitz has adopted a more linear and abstract approach to the figure in his more recent paintings. It also introduced a transfer technique that features bright, bold colors, paying homage to Roy Lichtenstein.
What are the characteristics of Georg Baselitz's works?
Georg Baselitz's works are recognized for several distinct characteristics that contribute to their uniqueness and innovation in contemporary art. Here are some of the main characteristics of Georg Baselitz's works:
Upside Down Painting: One of Baselitz's most iconic characteristics is his practice of painting his works upside down. This challenges the viewer's traditional perception and forces a constant reevaluation of the image. In doing so, he seeks to empty the form of its content and create a new dynamic between figure and abstraction.
Expressive and Raw Style: Georg Baselitz is known for his expressive and raw style of painting. His brushstrokes are often vigorous and seemingly chaotic, creating a sense of raw energy in his works. This contributes to the emotional and visceral feel of his creations.
Distorted Figuration: Much of Georg Baselitz's work involves the representation of the human figure, often distorted and fragmented. His figures often display grotesque or disturbing features, reflecting an exploration of the human condition in difficult times.
Vibrant Color Palette: Georg Baselitz often uses a vibrant and bold color palette in his paintings. Vivid, contrasting colors are used to create visual and emotional impact in his works.
Material Exploration: Georg Baselitz is known for his exploration of artistic materials. In addition to painting, Georg Baselitz also works with wood carving, engraving and other media. His tactile and experimental approach to materials is evident in his work.
Artistic and Historical References: Throughout his career, Georg Baselitz has incorporated a wide range of formal and historical references into his work. This includes influences from artists such as Edvard Munch and Emil Nolde, as well as his own exploration of 20th-century German history.
Challenge to Conventions: A fundamental characteristic of Georg Baselitz's work is his continuous challenge to the conventions of art. From his early "Pandemonic Manifestos" to his Upside Down paintings, he constantly questions and redefines what is possible in art.
Personal Narrative: Although his works often deal with historical and social themes, Baselitz also incorporates elements of personal narrative. His wife, Elke, is frequently portrayed in his paintings, exploring the dynamics of relationships and self-representation.
What are Georg Baselitz's most influential works?
Georg Baselitz is known for a series of influential works that marked his career and had a significant impact on contemporary art. Here are some of Baselitz's most influential and iconic works:
Die große Nacht im Eimer (The Big Night Down the Drain) (1962-63): This painting is one of Georg Baselitz's most famous and also one of his most controversial. It depicts a distorted figure holding an exaggerated phallus. The work was the target of accusations of obscenity and was removed from an exhibition, becoming a milestone in Georg Baselitz's career.
"Adieu" (1982): "Adieu" is one of Georg Baselitz's iconic paintings that exemplifies his technique of depicting figures upside down. In this work, an abstract, distorted figure is presented in vibrant colors, highlighting his bold approach to form and color. The painting challenges the viewer's perception, inviting them to contemplate the work upside down.
"Supper in Dresden" (1983): This painting is part of a series of works in which Georg Baselitz explored historical and cultural themes. "Supper in Dresden" is an expressive and chaotic depiction of a banquet setting, evoking a sense of disorder and destruction. The work is marked by vigorous brushwork and the exploration of dark themes.
"Where is the Yellow Milkjug, Mrs. Bird?" (1976): This painting is an example of Georg Baselitz's interest in children's language and the world of children. The image depicts an imaginative and enigmatic scene that incorporates playful elements. The choice of colors and composition contribute to creating an intriguing and nostalgic atmosphere.
"Folkdance Melancholia" (1980-81): This is another notable work that is part of a series of paintings in which Georg Baselitz explores German popular culture and its traditions. "Folkdance Melancholia" captures the energy and tension of a folk dance, while also conveying a sense of melancholy and desolation. The inverted figures and the expressive color palette are striking features of this work.
How did Georg Baselitz's work challenge post-war artistic norms?
Georg Baselitz's work challenged postwar artistic norms in several significant ways. Here are some of the ways in which Georg Baselitz questioned the artistic conventions of the time:
Rejection of Abstraction: In the post-war period, abstraction was the dominant trend in art, especially with the emergence of abstract expressionism in the United States. Georg Baselitz refused to follow this path and instead reintroduced the human figure as a central theme in his work. This was an affront to established norms of abstraction and marked a turn toward figurativity.
Distinctive Style: Georg Baselitz developed a distinctive artistic style characterized by bold brushstrokes, vibrant colors and figures often depicted upside down. This unique approach defied the stylistic expectations of the time and established a recognizable visual signature.
Disturbing Themes: His works often dealt with disturbing and uncomfortable themes, including the depiction of distorted figures and provocative scenes. This challenged the norms of conventional representation and stimulated debates about freedom of expression in art.
German Identity Exploration: Georg Baselitz's work often dealt with questions of German identity, post-war trauma, and history. This was particularly significant in a Germany that was dealing with the consequences of Nazism and war, and Georg Baselitz played a key role in opening up space for discussion of these issues through his art.
Intertextuality: Georg Baselitz frequently referenced art history in his works, reinterpreting classical themes and challenging established conventions. This demonstrated a deep awareness of artistic tradition and encouraged an intertextual approach to artistic creation.
Technical Innovation: His willingness to experiment with new techniques and materials, including wood carvings and his "Remix" series, demonstrated that contemporary art could incorporate a wide variety of technical approaches.
What is Georg Baselitz's impact on contemporary art?
Georg Baselitz's impact on contemporary art is significant and multifaceted. It played a crucial role in redefining German art after World War II and influenced generations of artists around the world. Here are some of the key aspects of Georg Baselitz's impact on contemporary art:
Rejection of Abstraction in Favor of Figuration: Georg Baselitz challenged the prevailing trend towards abstraction in post-war art and reintroduced the human figure as a central element in his work. This has had a significant impact on the revaluation of figurative representation in contemporary art.
Distinctive Style: His distinctive artistic approach, characterized by bold brushstrokes, vivid colors and figures often depicted upside down, established a recognizable and iconic style that continues to be associated with Georg Baselitz.
Exploration of German Identity: Georg Baselitz dealt with issues of German identity, post-war trauma and history in his work, paving the way for other German artists to explore similar themes in their creations.
Technical Innovation: His constant exploration of new techniques and materials, including wood carvings and his "Remix" series, has shown that contemporary art can incorporate a wide variety of technical approaches.
Challenge to Social and Cultural Norms: Georg Baselitz often provoked controversy in his works, challenging cultural and social norms. His willingness to confront taboos and uncomfortable topics made him a provocative artist and stimulated debates about freedom of expression in art.
Lasting Legacy: Georg Baselitz's work continues to be exhibited in galleries and museums around the world, and his influences can be seen in contemporary artists exploring themes related to history, identity and form.
Reference to Classical Art and Art History: Georg Baselitz frequently references art history in his works, reinterpreting classical themes and challenging established conventions. This encouraged other artists to explore intertextuality in contemporary art.
In short, Georg Baselitz is a seminal figure in contemporary art, known for his innovation, distinctive style and willingness to confront cultural and social issues. His legacy continues to inspire and influence artists around the world, making him an important figure in the history of 20th century art and beyond.
