Georg Baselitz

Date of Birth: January 23, 1938

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Biography

Georg Baselitz, born Hans-Georg Kern on January 23, 1938, in Deutschbaselitz, Saxony, Germany, is a renowned German painter, sculptor, and graphic artist known for his provocative and highly expressive works. Baselitz is particularly famous for his figurative, often upside-down paintings, which challenge traditional perspectives and conventions in art. He adopted the pseudonym ‘Baselitz’ in homage to his hometown. Baselitz studied at the Hochschule für bildende und angewandte Kunst in East Berlin but was expelled for “socio-political immaturity.” He continued his studies in West Berlin at the Hochschule der Künste. His early work was influenced by German Expressionism and Art Brut, leading to a unique style characterized by raw, emotional intensity. Throughout his career, Baselitz has held numerous solo exhibitions worldwide and has been the subject of significant retrospectives. He has received several prestigious awards, including the Praemium Imperiale and the Commandeur de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres. Baselitz continues to live and work in Germany.

5 Interesting Facts about Georg Baselitz

1. Georg Baselitz’s decision to paint his subjects upside down was a deliberate challenge to conventional art, meant to disrupt the viewer’s expectations and focus attention on the painting’s formal qualities.

2. Baselitz’s work often explores themes of German identity and history, reflecting the tumultuous events of the 20th century.

3. He was expelled from art school in East Berlin for being “politically immature,” which led him to continue his studies in West Berlin.

4. In addition to painting, Baselitz is also a prolific sculptor, often creating large, roughly hewn wooden sculptures.

5. Baselitz has had a significant influence on contemporary art, with his works housed in major museums such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Tate Modern in London.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Georg Baselitz

1. “I always want to make an impact with my work, to challenge and provoke thought.”

2. “Art is not a mirror to reflect reality, but a hammer with which to shape it.”

3. “The more horrifying this world becomes, the more art becomes abstract.”

4. “If you’re an artist, you’re a provocateur.”

5. “Painting is always strongest when in spite of composition, color, etc., it appears as a fact, or an inevitability.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Georg Baselitz’s highest net worth is estimated to be around $20 million.

Children

Georg Baselitz has two sons, Anton Kern, who is a well-known art dealer based in New York City, and Daniel Blau, who also operates within the art world.