Walter Spitzer Paintings

Walter Spitzer was a Polish-born French artist and painter known for his diverse styles and subjects, which often reflected his experience as a Holocaust survivor and his passion for life. Born on April 4, 1927, in Cieszyn, Poland, Spitzer's early life was marked by the tragic events of World War II. As a Jewish teenager during the Holocaust, he experienced the horrors of the concentration camps, including Auschwitz, where he lost his entire family. These experiences would later serve as a profound influence on his artwork.

After the war, Spitzer emigrated to France, where he began his career as an artist. He studied at the École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris and established himself in the vibrant post-war art scene. His work was characterized by its emotional depth and often depicted themes of survival, humanity, and the celebration of life. Spitzer was a versatile artist, working in various mediums including painting, drawing, and sculpture.

Spitzer's art was recognized for its contribution to the memory of the Holocaust, and he was commissioned to create several public works commemorating the event. These include the Monument to the Martyred Jews of the Deportation in Orléans and the mural at the synagogue in the UNESCO headquarters in Paris. Throughout his career, he held numerous exhibitions in France and internationally, and his work is included in several public and private collections.

Despite the darkness of his early experiences, Spitzer's art was also imbued with a sense of hope and vitality. He celebrated the human form in his work, often depicted in a state of movement or dance, symbolizing the resilience and joy of life. Walter Spitzer passed away on February 10, 2021, leaving behind a legacy that not only memorializes the past but also embraces the beauty and complexity of the human spirit.