Friedlaender, Johnny

Biography of Johnny Friedlaender

Johnny Friedlaender (1912-1992) was a German painter and printmaker, naturalized French, considered one of the great masters of 20th-century engraving. Born on December 26, 1912 in Pless (then in Germany, now Pszczyna, Poland), Friedlaender came from a family of intellectuals. He showed an early interest in art, and began studying painting at the Dresden Academy of Fine Arts under Max Slevogt, one of the leading exponents of German Impressionism.

In the 1930s, the rise of Nazism forced Friedlaender, of Jewish origin, to leave Germany. He went into exile first in Czechoslovakia, then in France, where he settled in Paris in 1937. Paris became his home base, and it was here that he developed his art significantly, immersing himself in the artistic circles of the time.

During the Second World War, Friedlaender was interned in several camps in France because of his German nationality. Freed in 1943, he joined the French Resistance, an experience that had a profound influence on his work. After the war, he devoted himself mainly to engraving, a medium in which he excelled and which he helped to renew through his innovative approach.

Friedlaender is best known for his work in color printmaking, where he experiments with a variety of techniques to create works of great visual and emotional richness. His style is characterized by lyrical abstraction, with compositions often dominated by organic forms and vibrant colors. His works evoke a complex inner world of memories, sensations and dreams, reflecting a deep sense of humanity and nature.

Over the years, he became a central figure in contemporary etching, both in France and abroad. In 1949, Friedlaender opened an engraving studio in Paris, where he trained numerous international artists. His influence is immense, not only through his works, but also through his teaching and writings on the art of engraving.

His work is exhibited all over the world, and he takes part in numerous biennials and international exhibitions, receiving numerous awards. Friedlaender has also illustrated several art books, bringing his personal touch to literary texts, which adds an extra dimension to his work.

Johnny Friedlaender died in Paris on June 18, 1992, leaving behind a considerable artistic legacy. Today, his work can be found in the collections of many prestigious museums around the world. He is celebrated as an innovator of modern printmaking, combining technique and poetry in a body of work deeply marked by his tumultuous life and his commitment to freedom of expression.