Franz Priking

Franz Priking, a prominent German Postwar & Contemporary painter, was born on August 7, 1929, in Mülheim, Rhineland. Raised in a family where his civil servant father nurtured his early artistic interests, Priking's formative years were deeply impacted by the tumultuous period of World War II, which left an indelible mark on his worldview and artistic sensibilities.

From 1945 to 1947, Priking discovered Expressionism, a movement that had been suppressed during the Nazi era, yet resonated deeply with him. He remained steadfast in his adherence to its principles throughout his life. The death of his father in 1947 marked a significant personal loss during his formative years.

In 1948, Priking embarked on formal art studies, first at the Bauhaus in Weimar and later at the Academy of Fine Arts in Berlin under the tutelage of Max Pechstein, a founding member of the Die Brücke movement. His exposure to Bertolt Brecht during this time introduced him to Socialist Realism, although Priking was more drawn to innovative art forms than political realism.

In 1950, Priking briefly stayed in Paris before moving to the South of France, settling temporarily in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon. The following year, he participated in his first collective exhibition at the Réattu Museum in Arles. A pivotal moment came in 1952 when Priking, fueled by proceeds from a portrait sale, visited Vallauris and spent eight months under the mentorship of Pablo Picasso, who encouraged him with the prophetic words, "You will be one of the best painters of your generation."

Priking returned to the Avignon region, where he dedicated himself to rigorous artistic exploration and development. His career gained momentum with his first major solo exhibition at Galerie Motte in Geneva in 1955, followed by exhibitions in prominent galleries across Europe and beyond, including Paris, London, Rome, and Tokyo.

Recognized for his talent and contributions to contemporary art, Priking won the Young Painting Prize in Paris in 1958 and was elected a member of the International Institute of Arts and Letters in Geneva in 1961. In the 1960s, he relocated to Oppède in the Luberon region near Apt, where he continued to produce significant works that garnered acclaim.

Throughout his career, Priking received numerous accolades, including the Prize of the Mediterranean Union of Modern Art and the Léonard de Vinci Prize in 1972. Tragically, he passed away under mysterious circumstances in 1979 at the age of fifty, leaving behind a legacy of artistic brilliance and innovation.

Priking's artworks are held in esteemed collections worldwide, including the Musée National d'Art Moderne in Paris, the Museo Calvet in Avignon, the Vatican Museum in Rome, and numerous museums, foundations, and universities across the United States, Chile, Mexico, and beyond. His contributions to the art world continue to be celebrated for their depth of expression, technical skill, and enduring influence on contemporary painting.

Discover contemporary artworks by Franz Priking, browse recent artworks and buy online. Categories: contemporary german artists. Artistic domains: Painting. Artist represented by ArtMajeur by YourArt. Account type: Artist , member since 2024 (Country of origin Germany). Buy Franz Priking's latest works on ArtMajeur: Discover great art by contemporary artist Franz Priking. Browse artworks, buy original art or high end prints.

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