Watch Georg Baselitz: Making Art after Auschwitz and Dresden

Georg Baselitz is a renowned German painter, sculptor and printmaker who is known for his controversial and thought-provoking works. His art is characterized by its raw, emotive and often grotesque depictions of the human body, as well as his use of unconventional materials and techniques. In 2009, a documentary film was made about Baselitz and his life's work, titled "Georg Baselitz: Making Art after Auschwitz and Dresden."

The film is directed by Chris Walker and features interviews with Baselitz himself, as well as art historian Norman Rosenthal. It explores the artist's career and personal journey, from his childhood in post-war Germany to his rise as one of the most acclaimed contemporary artists of his generation. Throughout the film, Baselitz reflects on his artistic process, his inspirations and the impact of his work on the art world.

One of the central themes of the film is the relationship between Baselitz's art and his experiences growing up in a country devastated by war. Born in 1938 in the former German Democratic Republic, Baselitz was raised amidst the ruins of Dresden, a city that was almost completely destroyed by Allied bombing during WWII. His family lived in poverty and struggled to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of the war. This early trauma had a profound impact on Baselitz's artistic vision, inspiring him to create works that are often stark, bleak and confrontational.

The film also explores Baselitz's fascination with the human form, which has been a recurring element in his work throughout his career. He explains that he is drawn to the human body because of its vulnerability and fragility, as well as its potential for transformation and metamorphosis. His paintings and sculptures often depict distorted, contorted figures that seem to be in a state of agony, reflecting the pain and suffering of the post-war era.

Throughout the film, Baselitz discusses his artistic process in detail, revealing the meticulous and highly personal nature of his work. He explains that he often spends years working on a single piece, experimenting with different materials and techniques until he achieves the desired effect. He also talks about his influences, which range from Renaissance masters like Titian and Michelangelo to more contemporary artists like Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning.

Norman Rosenthal, a prominent art historian and longtime admirer of Baselitz's work, provides additional insight into the artist's career and legacy. He discusses the impact of Baselitz's art on the broader art world, as well as its relationship to other movements like Abstract Expressionism and Neo-Expressionism. Rosenthal also provides historical and cultural context for Baselitz's work, tracing its roots to German Expressionism and the political and cultural upheavals of the early 20th century.

Overall, "Georg Baselitz: Making Art after Auschwitz and Dresden" is an insightful and engaging documentary that offers a rare glimpse into the mind and creative process of one of the world's most provocative artists. It is a must-see for anyone interested in contemporary art, history or the human condition. The film is a testament to the enduring power of art to explore complex ideas, challenge established norms and inspire new ways of thinking.

Georg Baselitz: Making Art after Auschwitz and Dresden is a 2008 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour.