FRANK AUERBACH

Frank Auerbach: The Charcoal Heads

Publisher: Paul Holberton Publishing Ltd (9 Feb. 2024)

Details

• Format: Hardback, 136 pages
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1913645592
• ISBN-13: 978-1913645595
• Dimensions: 24.99 x 1.78 x 26.01 cm
• Condition: New

© Paul Holberton Publishing / Estate of Frank Auerbach
All Rights Reserved

Foreword

Frank Auerbach: The Charcoal Heads is a compelling exploration of one of the most intense and distinctive series in Auerbach's oeuvre. The book, authored by Barnaby Wright and Colm Tóibín, delves into the artist's process and the emotional depth of his charcoal portraits.

Overview

The book is structured around Auerbach's series of large-scale portrait heads, created during the 1950s and early 1960s. These works are characterized by their vigorous, almost sculptural use of charcoal, which Auerbach manipulated to create dense, textured surfaces. The portraits are not just likenesses but convey the psychological presence of the sitters, often friends and family members.

Content

Essays: The book includes insightful essays by Wright and Tóibín. Wright provides an art historical context, discussing Auerbach's place within the post-war British art scene and his influences. Tóibín's essay is more personal, reflecting on the emotional impact of Auerbach's work and his own response to the portraits.

Analysis: Detailed analyses of individual works highlight Auerbach's technique and the evolution of his style. The authors discuss how Auerbach's relentless reworking of the charcoal medium results in portraits that seem to emerge from the paper, full of life and movement.

Exhibition: The book also serves as a catalog for the exhibition at the Courtauld Gallery, providing a comprehensive look at the series and its significance within Auerbach's career.

Visuals

The book is richly illustrated with high-quality reproductions of the charcoal heads, allowing readers to appreciate the intricate details and textures of Auerbach's work. These images are accompanied by close-up shots that reveal the layers of charcoal and the artist's dynamic mark-making process.

Reception

Critics have praised the book for its thorough and engaging examination of Auerbach's charcoal heads. The combination of scholarly analysis and personal reflection offers a multifaceted view of the artist's work, making it accessible to both art historians and general readers.

Conclusion

Frank Auerbach: The Charcoal Heads is an essential read for anyone interested in Auerbach's work or post-war British art. It provides a deep dive into one of the artist's most significant series, highlighting his mastery of the charcoal medium and his ability to capture the essence of his sitters.

© Image copyright Frank Auerbach / Paul Holberton Publishing

★★★★★ 5 STARS OUT OF FIVE

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