Self portrait

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