Berlin, April 30, 2026 Georg Baselitz dies at 88 Georg Baselitz, the influential German painter and sculptor known for his provocative and expressive works, has died at the age of 88.
A Legacy of Provocation and Innovation
Georg Baselitz was a towering figure in the art world, celebrated for his bold, often controversial approach to painting and sculpture. His career spanned over six decades, during which he challenged conventions and redefined postwar German art. Baselitz's distinctive style, characterized by inverted figures and raw, emotive brushstrokes, earned him international acclaim and a permanent place in art history.
Born in Deutschbaselitz, Germany, in 1938, Baselitz studied at the Hochschule für Bildende Künste in East Berlin before moving to West Germany. His early works were met with scandal, including the confiscation of his painting "Die große Nacht im Eimer" (The Big Night Down the Drain) in 1963 for obscenity. Despite—or perhaps because of—such controversies, Baselitz continued to push boundaries, becoming a leading voice in the Neo-Expressionist movement.
Influence and Recognition
Baselitz's impact extended far beyond his own creations. He inspired generations of artists with his unflinching exploration of identity, history, and the human condition. His works are held in major collections worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Tate Modern in London. In recent years, his exhibitions at venues like the Ropac gallery in Pantin, near Paris, drew critical and public acclaim.