Artists of the 20th century. Artists of Russia. Russian artists of the 20th century

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

The colorful and eventful 20th century was left for posterity in works of art. It is impossible to know the mentality of the people of the last century if we ignore the pictures that have been preserved for us. The number of bright colors or their absence, the manner of writing canvases can tell a lot to our contemporaries.

For both historians and art lovers, paintings created by foreign and Russian artists of the 20th century are of great interest. The names of the creators are alive in history and are known throughout the world.

B. V. Kandinsky (1866-16-12 - 1944-13-12)

V. V. Kandinsky is considered one of the most famous painters of the last century. The artist discovered his talent quite late. He felt a craving for creativity after getting acquainted with the canvases of Monet.

After this moment, Vasily Vasilyevich abandons his career as a lawyer and more and more often retires with a sketchbook, goes to nature and sketches what amazes him. He decides to get an education and goes to Munich, where his talent was appreciated. After the course of study was completed, Kandinsky decided to stay in the country and teach. It is believed that this period of life was for the artist the mostproductive.

From the first pictures of the painter it was hard to guess that soon he would have to make a revolution in the world of art. Gradually, Kandinsky found his way. The artist tried many things before becoming the founder of abstract art.

One of the first paintings created in this direction is "The Gorge", written in 1914. This study is also considered one of the most famous in the creative career of Kandinsky.

The outbreak of the First World War forced the artist to return to his native country. Due to the revolution and civil war that followed, exhibitions had to be abandoned for a while. Only in 1916 Kandinsky was able to show his paintings in Sweden.

Renewed Russia inspired the painter to create the painting "Red Square". After this canvas, Kandinsky again had to leave creativity. He had to perform a large amount of work, which left neither the strength nor the time to create paintings. Then it was decided to go to Germany in order to focus all attention on his beloved work there. But the new country met the artist with an unpleasant surprise.

Like many artists of the 20th century, Kandinsky lived in poverty for some time. In Germany and France, Vasily Vasilyevich created many new paintings known throughout the world. Among them are “Circles in a circle”, “Intimate news”, “Every man for himself”.

Kandinsky died in 1944 after a serious illness.

A. Matisse (1869-31-12 - 1954-03-11)

Henri Matisse is one of the most famous artists of the last century. It's believed thatthe future painter was inspired to pick up a brush by his mother, who painted ceramics. Like many artists of the 20th century, Matisse did not immediately find his way. He knew that he liked painting, but it could not become the main way to earn money. Therefore, the future artist received a legal education and worked for some time by profession. But at the same time, he found time for painting lessons. Only in 1891, despite the prohibitions of his father, Matisse decides to leave law, go to Paris and take up painting seriously.

After 5 years, his paintings for the first time appear before the general public. The canvas "Reading" has gained particular popularity, it was purchased to decorate the office of the President of France.

Matisse did not only paint. He was fond of sculpture and attended courses. But this did not bring him so much fame. At the beginning of his journey, Matisse, like many French artists of the 20th century, experienced financial difficulties, so for some time he and his family had to live with their parents.

In 1905, one of the most famous paintings by Matisse, "The Woman in the Green Hat", was released. This work and a number of others made art lovers talk about Henri, start to be interested in his work.

One of the first admirers of the talent of the famous painter was the Russian collector S. I. Shchukin. He inspired Matisse to visit Moscow, where the artist discovered collections of old Russian icons. They amazed him and left their mark on his further work.

World famous name Matissebecomes after the creation of the cycle "Odalisques" and scenery for the performance of Stravinsky's ballet.

The 40s were very difficult for the painter. His wife, daughter and son were arrested by the Gestapo for participating in the Resistance movement, and he himself was seriously ill. But Matisse continued to work. Despite the tragic events in the world and in the life of the artist, the canvases remain bright, light, breathing joy.

Matisse continued to work until his last days. He died of a heart attack in 1954.

P. Picasso (1881-25-10 - 1973-08-04)

The artists of the 20th century are still famous and popular. Their list, however, would be incomplete if it did not mention the great Spanish creator Pablo Picasso.

This amazing person showed a craving for painting at an early age. The formation of talent was also helped by the fact that his father was a drawing teacher and gave lessons to his son. The first serious work appeared when the young painter was only 8. That work was called "Picador". Until the end of his life, Picasso did not part with her.

The artist's parents often moved, but in each new city, Picasso did everything in order to get an education. He surprised with his skills at such a young age.

In Barcelona, Picasso found like-minded people and friends. Then the development of the artist's abilities reached a new level. But the suicide of his friend de alt a big blow to Picasso. Subsequent paintings, which are usually attributed to the "blue" period, are permeated with the theme of old age and death. During this period, the "Woman with a Bundle of Hair" appears,"Absinthe Drinker" and many other paintings. The inspiration for the artist is the lower strata of the population.

Then Picasso's attention is attracted by traveling circus performers. Pink is slowly replacing blue from the paintings. The "pink" period begins. The painting "Girl on the ball" belongs to it.

The more and more attention of the painter is attracted not by color, but by form. Together with his friend Picasso creates a completely new direction in art - cubism. The famous "Factory in Horta de Ebro" and "Portrait of Fernanda Olivier" appear. The artist never stops experimenting. He uses different materials to create canvases.

Work in this direction ended with the outbreak of the First World War. Then Picasso had to part with his friend. Like many artists of the 20th century, Pablo was struck by the beauty of Russian ballet. He agrees to create costumes for artists and scenery, and goes on tour with his new acquaintances. Picasso marries a Russian girl, Olga Khokhlova. She becomes his model for many paintings.

1925 is the turning point in the artist's creative biography. His canvases are increasingly reminiscent of puzzles. Surrealist poets have a great influence on the painter. During this period, "Girl in front of a mirror", "Man with a bouquet" and other paintings were created.

Much has changed before the start of the war. The destruction to the foundation of the city of the Basque country forced Picasso to create the famous painting “Guernica”. This and subsequent works of the artist were imbued with the idea of pacifism.

Happiness comes to Picasso with the end of the war. Hemarries and has two more children. Together with his wife, the artist moves. A young wife and children become an inspiration for Picasso.

The great painter dies April 8, 1973.

N. K. Roerich (27.09.1874 - 13.12.1947)

Roerich Nicholas Konstantinovich from early childhood showed himself to be an extraordinary person. Science was easily given to him, he quickly passed the training program offered to him. With ease, he passed the exams and entered one of the best and most expensive gymnasiums in St. Petersburg. The range of interests of the future artist was incredibly wide. And even then he was interested in painting.

But at the insistence of his father, Roerich decides to study law. While getting an education, he reads a lot of historical works, is interested in chronicles and participates in archaeological excavations. Like many artists of the early 20th century, he did not immediately come to the idea that painting should become his main occupation. Roerich was able to realize his talent after talking with Kuindzhi, who agreed to become a teacher of a young artist.

Passion for history is reflected in the paintings of Nikolai Konstantinovich. He created a series of paintings “The Beginning of Russia. Slavs . Roerich did not try to show any key moments of historical development with the help of his canvases. He talked about everyday life, everyday moments, which, however, seem almost fabulous to the modern viewer.

A big role in the life of Nikolai Konstantinovich was played by his wife, Elena Ivanovna, who inspired him and helped him in his work. Together with herRoerich went on a journey through the ancient cities of Russia. It resulted in a series of paintings depicting architectural monuments.

Many artists of the 20th century were interested in theater and created scenery. Nikolai Konstantinovich was no exception. His work has helped create the atmosphere for many performances.

After the revolution, Nicholas Konstantinovich Roerich and his wife embark on a journey that will be a turning point in their lives. The painter explores Central Asia, studies Tibet, India, Altai, Mongolia, the Himalayas. The result of this trip was not only paintings, but also a lot of material about the traditions, customs and history of the lands visited by the expedition.

In the last years of his life, Roerich increasingly painted landscapes. He created the Himalayas. Glaciers”, “Ladak Stupa”, “Royal Monastery. Tibet” and many other wonderful paintings. The artist's works, his historical work were highly appreciated by the government of India. He was considered a Russian friend of this mysterious and beautiful country.

Nikolai Konstantinovich Roerich died in India in 1947. His son brought his father's paintings to Russia.

K. S. Petrov-Vodkin (1878-24-10 - 1939-15-02)

Many wonderful works were left to their descendants by the artists of the Silver Age. One of the most famous painters working at that time was Kuzma Sergeevich Petrov-Vodkin.

The future artist was born into a family that was far from the world of art. If not for the local merchants who helped Kuzma Sergeevich get an education, he might not havediscover your talent. First, he studied in a painting class in Samara, then went to Moscow to hone his skills, where he took lessons from the famous artist V. A. Serov.

Of great importance in the biography of Petrov-Vodkin is a trip to Europe. Then he gets acquainted with the paintings of the creators of the Renaissance. Paintings by artists of the 20th century also had their influence: Petrov-Vodkin was struck by the work of the French Symbolists.

Symbolism captures the painter. He begins to create paintings in this direction. The most famous of them is the painting "Bathing the Red Horse", created in 1912. The paintings “Mother” and “Girls on the Volga” are a little less known.

Petrov-Vodkin created several portraits. Most often they depict the artist's friends. The portrait of Anna Akhmatova created by him is very popular.

Kuzma Sergeevich supported revolutionary ideas. Participants in the Civil War, supporting the ideas of the Reds, appear on his canvases as heroes. The paintings "Battlefield", "Death of the Commissar" are widely known.

Toward the end of his life, Petrov-Vodkin wrote several autobiographical books that became interesting not only to admirers of his talent, but to all lovers of literature.

Kuzma Sergeevich died on February 15, 1939 in Leningrad.

K. S. Malevich (1879-11-02 - 1935-15-05)

One of the most famous artists of the last century was Kazimir Severinovich Malevich. The avant-garde artist made a splash in the art world and made his name known throughout the planet.

No one could have guessed thata boy from a Polish family who helps the villagers paint stoves in his free time will one day become great. Rural life amazed the future artist. He painted everything that especially sunk into his soul.

The family moved frequently. When the Malevichs lived in Kyiv, Kazimir Severinovich studied at a drawing school. In Kursk, he tried to earn money to study in Moscow. For a very long time he was unable to do so. It is not known exactly, but it is believed that none of his attempts were successful. However, in Moscow, Malevich made many new acquaintances, and also saw paintings that influenced his further work.

In the city, Kazimir Severinovich found friends, among whom were Russian artists of the 20th century. They wanted to bring something new to the world of art, shared with Malevich their ambitious ideas and vision of the future of art.

Kazimir Severinovich himself considered color and feeling to be the basis of painting. He dreamed of changing the traditions of painting. For a long time he did not show his work to anyone. Finally, they appeared at the exhibition of futurism. Shortly before her, Malevich published a pamphlet, in the title of which Suprematism was mentioned for the first time.

At the exhibition of futurism, for the first time, viewers see the legendary "Black Square", as well as "Red Square" and "Suprematism. Self-portrait in two dimensions.”

The innovation introduced by Malevich received recognition. Kazimir Severinovich had his first students, with whom he studied first in Vitebsk and then in Petrograd. Malevich's fame also spread to other countries. He went to Germany to organizeexhibition of his own works.

Malevich's paintings were exhibited at the Tretyakov Gallery. He was ready to work further, but his he alth was getting worse every day. Kazimir Severinovich died on May 15, 1935.

S. Dali (1904-11-05 - 1989-23-01)

The most controversial artist of the last century, without a doubt, is Salvador Dali. Very early he discovered the talent of the painter. His parents were glad that their boy loves to draw, so they encouraged his hobby in every possible way. El Salvador got his first teacher, Professor Joan Nunez.

Dali was an unusual person, he was not ready to put up with the established rules. He was expelled from the monastic school, which his father was very unhappy with. Then Salvador had to go to Madrid to develop his talent there and learn something new.

At the Dali Academy he was interested in cubism and futurism. Then he created the paintings "Adaptation and Hand" and "Portrait of Luis Buñuel". But the Academy of El Salvador was kicked out for his refusal to obey the rules of the institution, eccentric behavior and disrespect for teachers.

But this event did not become a tragedy. Dali was already famous then and arranged personal exhibitions. He tried himself not only as an artist, he also made films. The first motion picture was Andalusian Forest, followed by The Golden Age.

In 1929, Salvador Dali met his muse and future wife, Elena Dyakonova, who called herself Gala. She helped her lover, introduced him to manyfamous people, among whom were Russian artists, helped him find his own way. Surrealism became it.

Almost all of the following paintings were somehow connected with Dali's beloved wife. He creates Memory Persistence and Gala's Paranoid Face Transformation.

After the outbreak of World War II, Dali and his wife went to the United States, where he released his autobiography. El Salvador worked very hard in this country. He not only created paintings, but also tried himself as a designer, jeweler, set designer, editor-in-chief of a newspaper.

After the war, Dali returns to his homeland. During this period, the rhinoceros horn appears in many of the artist's paintings. Among them, for example, the "Rhino-shaped figure of Ilissus Phidias."

The real blow for Salvador Dali was the death of his beloved woman, Elena Dyakonova. He was so depressed that he couldn't come to her funeral. For a long time after that, Dali could not create a single painting. However, he was still wildly popular.

The last painting by Dali was the canvas "Dovetail". After that, due to illness, the artist could no longer work. He died on January 23, 1989.

Frida Kahlo (1907-06-07 - 1954-13-07)

One of the few world-famous female artists of the last century was Frida Kahlo. She never wanted to be inferior to the opposite sex in anything, went in for sports, even boxing for a while.

Like many artists of Russia and the West, Frida did not immediately choose her path. She studied medicine. It was during her studies that she metthe famous artist Diego Rivera, who later became her husband.

When Frida was 18, she had a terrible accident. Because of this, she spent a long time in bed and was never able to become a mother. Lying in bed, unable to get up, Kahlo began to study painting. She looked at the mirror fixed at the top and drew self-portraits.

At the age of 22, Frida continued to get an education, but she could no longer leave painting. She continued to work, became closer and closer to Rivera, and then became his wife. But Diego de alt a strong blow to Frida - he cheated on the artist with her sister. After that, Kahlo created the painting Just a Few Scratches.

Frida was a communist. She communicated with Trotsky and was very glad that he lived in Mexico. It was rumored that they were connected by something more than just friendship.

Kalo dreamed of becoming a mother, but the injuries sustained in the accident did not allow her to do so. The main characters of her paintings increasingly became dead children. However, despite the suffering, Frida loved life, was a bright and positive person. She was interested in the politics of the USSR, admired the leaders. The artists of Russia also attracted her. Frida wanted to paint a portrait of Stalin, but she never finished her work.

Severe injuries did not let me forget about myself. She very often had to lie in the hospital, her leg was amputated. But after that there was a bright spot in her life - the first solo exhibition.

Frida Kahlo died of pneumonia on July 13, 1954.

D. Pollock (1912-28-01 - 1956-11-08)

One ofThe most famous artists of the last century was James Pollock. He was a student of Thomas Hunt Benson and, thanks to this man, developed and multiplied his abilities.

Toward the end of the 30s, Pollock got acquainted with the work of the expressionists. The canvases made an indelible impression on him. Even though Pollock's paintings were original and original, one felt that they were inspired by Picasso, the ideas of the surrealists.

In 1947, Pollock created his own method of painting. He splashed paint onto the canvas and then created a colorful web by striking with a rope. This method aroused great interest.

Jackson Pollock became an icon for young non-conformist artists who also dreamed of finding their own path and showing the world their vision. Jackson has become a symbol of innovation in art.

Pollock died on August 11, 1956.

E. Warhol (1928-06-08 - 1987-22-02)

Andy Warhol, even after many years, remains a fashionable and popular artist. He received his first education at the Carnegie Institute of Technology, he attended free drawing classes and developed his talent. However, he did not become a great artist immediately after that.

For a long time, Warhol drew illustrations for popular fashion magazines, created graphic works in the field of advertising. This is what made his name famous. He began to draw with a pencil and created one of his first famous works - a Coca-Cola bottle.

Andy portrayed what was popular in the world at this time. He became the founder of a newdirection, which received the name pop art. His paintings depicting Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, Mick Jaeger and many other famous personalities have become legendary.

Warhol was not only an artist, but also a screenwriter and director. He created a large number of films, the first of which were silent and black and white. In addition, he wrote several autobiographies, was a TV channel editor and even a rock band producer.

Andy Warhol died February 22, 1987.

The canvases of painters of the last century are of great importance for world art. Each of them brought something new and unusual. A worthy place among them is occupied by Russian artists of the 20th century.