Date of Birth: January 23, 1938
Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
Biography
Georg Baselitz, born Hans-Georg Kern, is a renowned German painter, sculptor, and graphic artist widely recognized for his pioneering role in the Neo-Expressionist movement. Born on January 23, 1938, in Deutschbaselitz, Saxony, he adopted the name of his birthplace as his artistic pseudonym. Baselitz’s early life was marked by the turmoil of World War II, which profoundly influenced his later work. In 1956, Baselitz began his formal art education at the Academy of Fine Arts in East Berlin but was expelled for “socio-political immaturity.” He continued his studies at the Academy of Fine Arts in West Berlin. His early works often featured explicit and controversial themes, which led to his first solo exhibition being shut down by the authorities. Baselitz gained international acclaim in the 1960s when he began painting his subjects upside-down. This technique challenged conventional perspectives and forced viewers to engage with the painting’s formal qualities rather than its subject matter. Over the decades, Baselitz has explored various styles and media, including wood sculpture and printmaking. He has exhibited widely, including at the Venice Biennale and the Guggenheim Museum. Baselitz’s work is characterized by its raw emotional power, complex symbolism, and frequent references to German history and identity. Today, he is considered one of the most influential contemporary artists.
5 Interesting Facts about Georg Baselitz
1. Georg Baselitz was born Hans-Georg Kern but adopted the name of his hometown, Deutschbaselitz, as his professional pseudonym.
2. He was expelled from the Academy of Fine Arts in East Berlin for “socio-political immaturity.”
3. Baselitz is famous for painting his subjects upside-down to challenge traditional perspectives.
4. His first solo exhibition in Berlin was shut down by the authorities due to its controversial content.
5. Baselitz has represented Germany at the Venice Biennale multiple times, solidifying his international reputation.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Georg Baselitz
1. “I paint German artists because I am one.”
2. “Art is a fruit that grows in man, like a fruit on a plant or a child in its mother’s womb.”
3. “I always see everything a little differently from the way other people do.”
4. “If I paint a wild horse, you might not see the horse… but surely you will see the wildness!”
5. “The artist is not responsible to anyone. His social role is asocial; his only responsibility consists in an attitude to the work.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Georg Baselitz’s highest net worth achieved is estimated to be around $20 million.
Children
Georg Baselitz has two children with his wife, Elke Kretzschmar. Their names are Daniel and Anton Kern.
Relevant Links
1. [Georg Baselitz – Guggenheim](https://www.guggenheim.org/artwork/artist/georg-baselitz
2. [Georg Baselitz – Tate](https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artists/georg-baselitz-694
3. [Georg Baselitz – MoMA](https://www.moma.org/artists/365
4. [Georg Baselitz – Artnet](http://www.artnet.com/artists/georg-baselitz/
5. [Georg Baselitz – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georg_Baselitz
