Paintings by Konstantin Vasiliev. Artist biography

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

Konstantin Vasiliev's paintings are not known to everyone. The works of the Soviet master did not receive recognition in the artistic environment of that time. Outward calmness, a certain coldness of colors, behind which a bottomless depth is hidden, layering and symbolism - such a description is equally suitable for both Vasiliev's paintings and his short life.

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Like all of us, Konstantin Vasilyev received a lot and managed to develop thanks to his parents. Father, Alexei Alekseevich Vasiliev, was from a family of workers, went through three wars, after the revolution he became a member of the Bolshevik Party, held senior positions in production. Konstantin's mother, Claudia Parmenovna Shishkina, is from an intelligent family. The erudition, honesty of his father, his ability to work, as well as the tenderness and education of his mother helped the future artist develop a special understanding of life, learn to see the great in the small and not be content with just a superficial understanding of things.

Childhood

Konstantin was born on September 3, 1942 in Maikop. Somewhat later, Alexei Alekseevich and his family were transferred to Krasnodar, and after the war - to Kazan. A few years later they moved to the village of Vasilyevo, located near Kazan, on the left bank of the Volga. The nature of these places nourished and inspired the future master for a long time.

Konstantin began to draw from an early age. The merit of his parents is that in such a difficult time they did not lose sight of the boy's talent, did not give up, but decided to give him the opportunity to develop. Konstantin studied at the Moscow Art School, graduated from the Kazan Art School.

Becoming

A rare artist immediately finds his one and only style. First, the future master goes through the options known and somewhat close to him. So was the artist Vasiliev Konstantin. His formative period paintings reflect the search for a distinct voice and style. Konstantin was fond of abstractionism and surrealism, some of his first works contain elements of obvious imitation. He quickly moved away from these directions, not finding the desired depth in them.

» and others (style - expressionism).

The bottomless source of inspiration for the artist was nature. Soon after a certain saturation with expressionism, Vasiliev turned tolandscape sketches. Gradually, the constant inner work bore fruit: the master understood what the artist Vasiliev Konstantin should be like. His paintings will bring people the beauty and strength of all living things.

Inspirers

The work of the artist's thoughts was nourished not only by classical education and the beauty of nature. From childhood, Konstantin read Russian epics, legends about the exploits of heroes with great pleasure. The works of great writers: F. M. Dostoevsky, A. S. Pushkin, F. I. Tyutchev also contributed to the formation of the artist’s worldview.

Music has become a huge source of inspiration. Some paintings by Konstantin Vasiliev illustrate the works of great masters. He created a graphic cycle of works for the opera Der Ring des Nibelungen by Richard Wagner, portraits of great composers: Shostakovich, Rimsky-Korsakov, Beethoven, Scriabin.

The rustle of leaves and the chime of drops

For some time Konstantin himself created music. He recorded various sounds in the forest: the crackling of ice, the crunch of dry leaves, the singing of birds, and sometimes echoed them with his voice. At home, he transformed the recording by twisting, transforming and pasting sections of tape. The result was the so-called concrete music, as a style that appeared in the middle of the last century.

Sound experiments were also reflected in Konstantin's paintings. This period of his life saw the appearance of abstract sketches, the search for "his" white, which eventually culminated in the creation of a special silver hue, characteristic of his works.artist.

Style

Nothing is wasted. Passion for abstract art taught Konstantin Vasiliev to build clear designs, skillfully manage lines and color spots. Surrealism helped to find countless shades, scales and combinations for future masterpieces. Interest in Slavic and Scandinavian mythology, a subtle understanding of music, from classics to modern trends, filled the graphic images with deep meaning, inner light.

Perhaps, the paintings "Autumn" and "Forest Gothic" can be considered the pinnacle of the artist's landscape skills. Everything in them, from the composition to the color scheme, is subject to one goal: to convey the spirituality, strength and beauty of nature. "Forest Gothic" Vasiliev bears the imprint of the northern renaissance. At first glance, an ordinary landscape with a play of color captivates the viewer along with it and allows you to see a temple in familiar trees, the eternal struggle between good and evil and the inexorable desire of life for the light.

There is a hidden message, subtext in almost all the paintings of the artist. "Northern Eagle", "Waiting", "Marshal Zhukov", "Unexpected Encounter" and many other works at a cursory examination seem to be a simple capture of events, but they always catch something, make you come back, take a closer look and see the essence.

Unrecognized

Konstantin Vasiliev's paintings were not recognized by either the highest ranks of the country or critics. The plots of his works were recognized as not corresponding to Soviet ideology and even calling for Russianfascism. Professional artists did not see Vasiliev's usual techniques, observance of certain canons, and therefore often classified him as an amateur. However, the few exhibitions that were organized during the life of the artist aroused considerable interest among the common people. The admiration of the audience inspired Vasiliev.

Artist Vasiliev Konstantin: the mystery of death

The most famous work of the author was written and the latest. The result of many years of searching and reflection was the painting "A Man with an Eagle Owl", painted by the artist a few days before his death. The symbolic content of the canvas today is often interpreted precisely in connection with the death of the artist. Did he not foresee his death, and was it not for this reason that he placed his name on a burning scroll? Didn't he feel that glory would come to him after death? These questions are unlikely to be answered.

If we consider the picture in terms of previous works, it is easy to notice its consonance with the previous creations of the author. Fire is a symbol of rebirth, creative power and inspiration, a young tree is an eternal desire for development, for light and life. The candle is the flame of the soul, and the owl is wisdom, impartial vision. "The Man with the Owl" is a statement of life as a constant development.

A few days after the completion of the painting, Konstantin Vasiliev died. It happened on October 29, 1976. The official version is that it was hit by a train. Relatives and many admirers of the artist disagree that Konstantin's death was accidental. Until then, the circumstances of the death of the master remainincomprehensible.

Paintings by Konstantin Vasiliev with names and dates are easy to find on the web. You can see the artist's works in museums in Moscow and Kazan. Vasiliev's paintings are worth to overcome a considerable distance. They say there is little to compare to their experience.