The Life and Influence of Paul Haefliger
Born in Frankfurt, Germany, to Swiss parents, Paul Haefliger was a multifaceted figure in the art world, serving as an abstract painter, art critic, writer, and printmaker. After moving to Australia in 1930, he studied at the Julian Ashton Art School in Sydney. His artistic journey took him to Europe in 1936, where he studied at the Westminster School of Art in London, the Académie Colarossi, and the Académie de la Grande Chaumière in Paris. These travels, alongside study tours through Japan, India, Britain, and Europe, allowed him to explore the techniques of woodcutting and printmaking.
Haefliger became a significant presence in the Sydney art scene during the 1940s and 1950s. He served as an art critic for the Sydney Morning Herald from 1941 until 1957 and contributed to Art in Australia. A foundation member of the "Sydney Group of Artists" in 1945, he is also noted for coining the term "Charm School" in a 1948 review. His creative output included woodcuts and linocuts from the 1930s, which remain highly sought after.
Artistic Legacy and Works
Throughout his career, Haefliger’s work was showcased in numerous exhibitions across London, Paris, and various galleries in Sydney and Melbourne. His art is represented in several prestigious institutions, including:
In addition to his visual art, he authored the book Duet for Dulcimer and Dunce, published in 1979, which contains essays written between 1964 and 1966. After leaving Australia in 1957 to live primarily in Majorca, Spain, he continued to exhibit periodically. He passed away in Switzerland.
