Born
in Berlin to Jewish parents, Klaus Friedeberger fled to England at the
age of 16 to escape persecution. When England declared war with Germany
in September 1939, he was interned as an enemy alien and banished to
Australia on the troopship Dunera.
On the voyage and subsequently in the prison camp at Hay, New South
Wales, he was mentored by sculptor Heinz Henghes, surrealist painter and
designer Hein Heckroth, photographer Helmut Gernsheim, and Bauhaus
lecturer Ludwig Hirschfeld Mack. From them, Friedeberger learned art
history and colour theory, and produced studies, portraits and
surrealist-inspired compositions. Released from the camp in 1942, he
joined the Australian military forces and was based briefly in
Melbourne. Painting in his free time, he became acquainted with
Australian artists Arthur Boyd, Sidney Nolan and William Dobell. While
many of his works reflect his wartime experiences, this self portrait
highlights Friedeberger’s early practice where he became increasingly
interested in colour, playing with a rich, vibrant palette and a
figurative approach to painting.
Gift of Julie Friedeberger 2021
© Julie Friedeberger
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