Albero di Fronte 2008

Frank Auerbach's "Albero di Fronte" presents us with a tree, a motif rich with symbolism. The tree has historically represented life, growth, and the connection between the earthly and the divine. Consider the Tree of Life in various cultures, from ancient Mesopotamia to the Norse Yggdrasil. In each, it serves as a cosmic axis, linking different realms of existence. Yet, here, Auerbach's tree is not idealized; it's rendered with thick impasto, almost violently applied, suggesting a struggle, a tension. This technique, reminiscent of Van Gogh's emotional brushwork, conveys an intense psychological state. We see the tree not as a serene symbol of nature, but as a reflection of inner turmoil, a testament to the artist's wrestle with the canvas. The image resonates with the subconscious, evoking primal memories and feelings associated with nature's power and unpredictability. The tree, thus, is reborn, bearing the weight of personal and collective anxieties.