Georg Baselitz

Georg Baselitz, born Hans-Georg Kern on January 23, 1938, in Deutschbaselitz, Upper Lusatia, Germany, is a renowned German painter, sculptor, and graphic artist. His artistic journey began in the 1960s when he gained recognition for his expressive, figurative paintings. Baselitz's work is deeply influenced by the tumultuous experiences of his childhood, growing up amidst the devastation of World War II, which has profoundly shaped his artistic vision.

In a bold departure from traditional representation, Baselitz began to paint his subjects upside down in 1969. This innovative approach was a deliberate effort to challenge the content-driven nature of his earlier works and to emphasize the artifice inherent in painting. His unique style draws inspiration from a diverse array of influences, including Soviet-era illustrations, the Mannerist period, and African sculptures, culminating in a distinct artistic language that is unmistakably his own.

The theme of destruction resonates throughout Baselitz's oeuvre, reflecting his personal history and the chaotic environment of his upbringing. He has articulated this sentiment in interviews, stating, "I was born into a destroyed order, a destroyed landscape, a destroyed people, a destroyed society. And I didn't want to reestablish an order: I had seen enough of so-called order." This perspective has led him to question established norms and conventions, resulting in a body of work that is both provocative and introspective.

To this day, Baselitz continues to invert all his paintings, a practice that has become the hallmark of his artistic identity. By disrupting conventional perceptions, he transforms his personal experiences into guiding principles that inform his creative process, making him a pivotal figure in contemporary art.