Georg Baselitz, the German painter who revolutionized figurative art by turning his subjects upside down, died on April 30, 2026, at the age of 88. The news was confirmed by his family and representatives. Baselitz was born on January 23, 1938, in Deutschbaselitz, Saxony, and became one of the most significant figures in post-war German art.
Baselitz's career spanned over six decades, marked by a deliberate break from abstract expressionism. In the 1960s, he began painting figures upside down, a technique that challenged traditional perspectives and became his signature. His work often explored themes of German identity and history, including his famous series 'The Heroes' from the 1960s.
His art was controversial early on, with some works deemed obscene, but he gained international recognition. Major retrospectives were held at institutions like the Royal Academy of Arts in London and the Guggenheim Museum in New York. Baselitz also represented Germany at the Venice Biennale in 1980.
Baselitz is survived by his wife, Elke, and his sons. His legacy as a provocateur and innovator in painting remains influential.
