ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Georg Baselitz dies at 87; German painter known for upside-down figures

other · 2026-05-06

German painter Georg Baselitz has died. In a Freitag obituary, author Georg Seeßlen traces Baselitz's career from East to West Germany, his outsider status, and his signature upside-down paintings. The article notes Baselitz's lifelong complaint of insufficient critical recognition while resisting categorization. Born Hans-Georg Kern, he adopted the name Baselitz from his hometown. His work reflected a double autobiography: personal life and survival in the art market.

Key facts

  • Georg Baselitz has died.
  • Freitag published an obituary by Georg Seeßlen.
  • Baselitz was known for upside-down paintings.
  • He was born Hans-Georg Kern and adopted the name Baselitz from his hometown.
  • He moved from East to West Germany.
  • He complained of insufficient critical recognition.
  • He resisted being categorized.
  • His work reflected his life and art market survival.

Entities

Artists

  • Georg Baselitz
  • Georg Seeßlen

Institutions

  • Freitag

Locations

  • Germany

Sources