Georg Baselitz stands as a monumental figure in contemporary art, renowned for his distinctive approach that challenges conventional perspectives.
Born in 1938 in Germany, he emerged from the shadows of World War II to redefine the landscape of postwar art.
His decision to paint subjects upside down not only defies traditional representation but also invites viewers to engage with the emotional essence of his work.
Baselitz’s art reflects a raw and visceral style, steeped in the influences of German Expressionism and the tumultuous history that shaped his identity.
By emphasizing the human form through bold colors and striking forms, he reestablishes the significance of figurative art in a world often dominated by abstraction.
As we delve into the important works of Georg Baselitz, we uncover a profound narrative of destruction, resilience, and the transformative power of art.
1. Die grobe Nacht im Eimer (Big Night down the Drain) (1963)
“Die grobe Nacht im Eimer,” also known as “Big Night down the Drain,” stands as one of Georg Baselitz’s most controversial works.
This painting features a young boy, possibly a self-portrait, holding an exaggerated phallus. Inspired by the life of Irish playwright Brendan Behan, its provocative nature aimed to spark awareness in postwar Germany. During Baselitz’s first solo exhibition in 1963, the painting was seized for infringing public morality.
Color choices in this piece are strikingly dark and wild, while playful compositional choices bring the figure to life.
Elements within the painting elicit existential reflections, guiding viewers to engage with their emotions rather than simply observing the subject matter. The overall impact challenges conventions, making it a pivotal artwork in Baselitz’s career.
2. Rebel (1965)
“Rebel” stands out as one of Georg Baselitz’s most provocative works from 1965. The piece captures a figure painted in exaggerated forms, laden with emotional intensity. Baselitz employs a vivid palette, creating stark contrasts that draw the viewer’s eye.
This painting reinforces his signature technique of inverting subjects, encouraging fresh perspectives and deeper emotional engagement.
The figure’s posture exudes defiance, symbolizing the struggle against societal norms and expectations.
In “Rebel,” Baselitz continues to challenge traditional artistic conventions, inviting dialogue about identity and resistance in a postwar context.
Each brushstroke resonates with the tumultuous atmosphere of the era, making this work a pivotal exploration of human resilience.
3. Der Wald auf dem Kopf (The Wood On Its Head) (1969)
Source: kettererkunst.com
“Der Wald auf dem Kopf” marks a significant point in Baselitz’s career as his first inverted painting.
This artwork challenges viewers by flipping the subject, complicating the recognition of depicted objects.
Inspired by a piece from early 19th century painter Louis Ferdinand von Rayski, it prioritizes the physical characteristics of the medium over the imagery.
The radical inversion provokes questions about whether it’s abstract art or a traditional landscape turned upside down.
Such experimentation underscores Baselitz’s ongoing quest for a unique artistic path, diverging from the dominant styles of gestural abstraction and Socialist Realism prevalent at the time.
4. Modell für eine Skulptur (Model for a Sculpture) (1979-1980)
Source: wikiart.org
“Modell für eine Skulptur” showcases Georg Baselitz’s distinctive treatment of wood, reflecting his raw approach to both sculpture and painting.
Inspired by African art, this piece embodies a primal expression of movement and human emotion.
Controversially, its raised arm gesture resembles a Nazi salute, provoking debate upon its exhibition at the 1980 Venice Biennale.
The red and black colors hint at references to the Third Reich, yet they can also evoke thoughts of Futurist influences, particularly the bronze work “Unique Forms of Continuity in Space.”
This sculpture highlights Baselitz’s commitment to challenging artistic norms while fostering deep emotional responses.
5. Head and Bottle (1982)
“Head and Bottle” stands as a striking example of Georg Baselitz’s exploration of form and emotion.
This painting showcases a distorted figure topped with a bottle, merging the human and the object in a thought-provoking way.
The colors and rough brushwork amplify the emotional intensity, drawing the viewer’s attention and evoking strong feelings.
Baselitz’s choice to place the figure’s head at the top presents a radical inversion of traditional composition.
The artwork encourages engagement by challenging perceptions, pushing observers to consider deeper themes of identity and existence.
With this piece, Baselitz continues to redefine the boundaries of figurative art in a unique and impactful manner.
6. Dresdner Frauen-Karla (1990)
Dresdner Frauen-Karla embodies the resilience of Dresden after World War II. Created from a large block of wood, its crude facial features highlight the impact of destruction on personal identity.
She symbolizes the rubble women, figures who participated in the city’s reconstruction efforts. Baselitz’s intense gaze and enormous proportions create an emotional connection.
The pulsating yellow hue adds a striking dimension, capturing her defiance amid ruin. This powerful representation speaks to the scars of war and the spirit of rebirth in a shattered landscape.
