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1960s
1960s

Georg Baselitz's work during the 1960s marks a significant period in his career, characterized by groundbreaking experimentation and the development of themes that would become central to his oeuvre. At the turn of 1959 to 1960, Baselitz began to create original works that demonstrated a distinct style, notably the Rayski-Head series and the painting "G. Head." This period set the stage for what would be a decade of artistic exploration and controversy​ (Wikipedia)​. In 1963, Baselitz's first solo exhibition at Galerie Werner & Katz in West Berlin became a public scandal due to the perceived obscenity of works like "The Big Night Down The Drain" (Die grosse Nacht im Eimer) and "The Naked Man" (Der Nackte Mann), leading to their seizure by the public prosecutor. This controversy not only thrust Baselitz into the limelight but also underscored the provocative nature of his art, challenging societal norms and pushing the boundaries of expression within the post-war German art scene​ (Wikipedia)​. The mid-1960s saw Baselitz further refining his thematic and stylistic concerns, particularly with the creation of the Heroes (Helden) series, also known as the New Types (Neue Typen). These works featured disheveled, fragmented figures set against barren landscapes, reflecting a sense of desolation and the rejection of the grandiose ideals of the Third Reich and East Germany. The Helden series, painted in thick impasto, evoked a raw emotional response, capturing the turmoil and existential angst of the post-war period​ (Wikipedia)​. In the latter part of the decade, Baselitz's artistic journey took a radical turn with the introduction of his inverted paintings, a technique he first employed in 1969 with "The Wood On Its Head" (Der Wald auf dem Kopf). This approach, wherein subjects were painted upside down, was a deliberate attempt to focus on the act of painting itself, emphasizing the formal aspects of composition, color, and line over recognizable subject matter. This method not only challenged traditional viewing habits but also questioned the very nature of representation and abstraction in art​ (Wikipedia)​. Baselitz's work in the 1960s established him as a pioneering figure in post-war German art, distinguished by his willingness to confront and engage with the complexities of history, identity, and artistic expression. Through his innovative techniques and provocative subject matter, Baselitz opened new avenues for exploring the potential of painting and sculpture, leaving a lasting impact on contemporary art​ (Wikipedia)​​ (Encyclopedia Britannica)​.

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