Getting Better: A Portrait of the Artist as an Elderly Man - Renowned British Painter Frank Auerbach's Self-Reflections on Aging and Art
Frank Auerbach, a name synonymous with raw energy and intense observation in the world of figurative painting, gifted us “Getting Better: A Portrait of the Artist as an Elderly Man” - a rare glimpse into the mind of a master grappling with the complexities of aging and artistic creation. This book, published in 2018 by Rizzoli International Publications, transcends the conventional art monograph, offering instead a poignant and often humorous meditation on life, memory, and the enduring power of visual expression.
Auerbach’s Voice: A Symphony of Self-Scrutiny
The core of “Getting Better” lies in Auerbach’s own words. Compiled from interviews conducted over several years by Catherine Lampert, a renowned art historian and curator deeply familiar with Auerbach’s work, the book presents an intimate portrait of the artist as he reflects on his artistic journey. Auerbach’s voice is captivating - direct, unpretentious, and laced with a dry wit that belies the intensity of his engagement with his craft.
He delves into his early influences, from the bold brushwork of Rembrandt to the psychological depth of Lucian Freud. He speaks candidly about his struggles with perfectionism, the frustration of elusive images, and the constant need for renewal and reinvention. Auerbach doesn’t shy away from discussing the physical toll of painting - the aching back, the cramped studio, the relentless hours spent wrestling with canvas and paint.
Themes: A Tapestry Woven with Time and Art
“Getting Better” explores a range of themes that resonate deeply with both artists and art enthusiasts:
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The Passage of Time: Auerbach confronts aging with characteristic honesty, acknowledging the diminishing physical stamina while simultaneously celebrating the accumulation of experience and insight.
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The Nature of Observation: He delves into his process of looking - how he scrutinizes his subjects, dissecting their forms and capturing their essence through layers of impasto.
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The Struggle for Expression: Auerbach articulates the relentless pursuit of artistic truth, the desire to translate fleeting impressions onto canvas with unwavering fidelity.
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The Power of Memory: He emphasizes the role of memory in shaping his work, how past experiences inform his present perceptions and contribute to the richness of his paintings.
Production Features: A Feast for the Eyes
“Getting Better” is not simply a collection of transcribed interviews; it is a beautifully crafted art book that complements Auerbach’s words with stunning visuals.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Photographs: | The book includes intimate black-and-white photographs of Auerbach in his studio, offering a glimpse into his creative environment and working process. |
| Paintings: | Selected works from various stages of Auerbach’s career are reproduced with exceptional clarity, showcasing the evolution of his style and his mastery of texture and light. |
The layout is clean and uncluttered, allowing the reader to fully engage with both the text and the images. The paper quality is superb, further enhancing the tactile experience of handling this beautifully produced volume.
A Legacy of Intensity:
“Getting Better: A Portrait of the Artist as an Elderly Man” is not just a book about art; it is a meditation on life itself. Auerbach’s unwavering dedication to his craft, his willingness to embrace both the joys and struggles of the creative process, serves as an inspiration to artists and non-artists alike. It reminds us that true artistic expression stems from a deep engagement with the world around us and an unyielding pursuit of truth and beauty.
If you are looking for a book that will challenge your assumptions about art and aging, that will illuminate the inner workings of a master painter’s mind, then “Getting Better” is a must-read.