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

A colorful and eventful 20th century remained for posterity in works of art. To know the mentality of people of the last century is impossible if we ignore the pictures that have been preserved for us. The number of bright colors or their absence, the manner of writing canvas 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.

VV Kandinsky (16.12.1866 - 13.12.1944)

One of the most famous painters of the last century is VV Kandinsky. The artist discovered talent in himself rather late. The desire for creativity, he felt after getting to know the canvases of Monet.

After this moment, Vasily Vasilievich refuses the career of a lawyer and increasingly retreats with the sketch book, goes to nature and sketches what strikes him. He decides to get an education and goes to Munich, where his talent was appreciated. After the course was completed, Kandinsky decided to stay in the country and teach. It is believed that this period of life has become the most productive for the artist.

According to the painter's first paintings, it was difficult to guess that soon he would have to make a revolution in the art world. Gradually Kandinsky found his way. The artist tried many things before becoming the ancestor of abstract art.

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

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

Updated Russia inspired the painter to create a painting "Red Square". After this painting, Kandinsky again had to abandon 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, there to concentrate all attention on the favorite business. 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 canvases known throughout the world. Among them - "Circles in a circle", "Intimate news", "Everyone for themselves".

Kandinsky died in 1944 after a serious illness.

A. Matisse (31.12.1869 - 03.11.1954)

Henri Matisse is one of the most famous artists of the last century. It is believed that the future painter was inspired to take a brush in the hands of his mother, who was engaged in painting ceramics. Like many artists of the 20th century, Matisse did not immediately find his way. He knew that he liked painting, but the main way to earn it can not become. Therefore, the future artist received a law degree and worked for a while in the 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 the jurisprudence, go to Paris and seriously deal with painting.

After 5 years of his paintings appear for the first time to the general public. The "Reading" canvas became very popular, 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, because for a while he and his family had to live with their parents.

In 1905, one of the most famous paintings of Matisse - "A Woman in a Green Hat" was released. This work and a number of others made art lovers talk about Henri, begin to take an interest in his work.

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

The world famous name Matisse becomes after the creation of the cycle "Odalisque" and the scenery for the presentation of the ballet Stravinsky.

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 artist's life, 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 (25.10.1881 - 08.04.1973)

Still known and popular artists of the 20th century. The list of them, however, would be incomplete if it did not mention the great Spanish creator Pablo Picasso.

This amazing man in his early childhood showed a craving for painting. Becoming a talent was 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 it.

The artist's parents often moved, but in every 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 came to a new level. But a big blow to Picasso caused the suicide of his friend. The subsequent pictures, which are usually attributed to the "blue" period, are permeated with the theme of old age and death. In this period there are "Woman with a bunch of hair", "Lover absinthe" and many other pictures. Inspiration for the artist is the lower strata of the population.

Then the attention of Picasso is attracted by the artists of the circus circus. Pink slowly pushes blue from the pictures. The "pink" period begins. The picture "Girl on the ball" applies to him.

Increasing attention to the painter is attracted not by color, but by form. Together with his friend Picasso creates a completely new direction in art - cubism. There are well-known "Factory in Horta de Ebro" and "Portrait of Fernanda Olivier." The artist does not stop 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, along with his new friends goes on tour. Picasso marries a Russian girl Olga Khokhlova. She becomes his model for many canvases.

1925 is the year of a turning point in the artist's creative biography. His paintings are more reminiscent of puzzles. The great influence on the painter is rendered by surreal poets. In this period, the "Girl in the Mirror", "The Man with the Bouquet" and other pictures were created.

Much has changed before the war. Destruction to the founding of the city of the Basque country made Picasso create a famous canvas "Guernica". This and the subsequent work of the artist were imbued with the idea of pacifism.

Happiness comes to Picasso with the end of the war. He marries, he has two more children. Together with his wife, the artist moves. Young wife and children become an inspiration for Picasso.

The great painter dies on April 8, 1973.

N. K. Roerich (September 27, 1984 - December 13, 1974)

Roerich Nicholas Roerich from the early childhood proved to be an extraordinary person. He was easily given science, he quickly passed the proposed training program. With ease he passed the exams and entered one of the best and most expensive gymnasiums in St. Petersburg. The circle of interests of the future artist was incredibly wide. And already then he was interested in painting.

But at the insistence of his father Roerich decides to study for a lawyer. Educated, 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 does not immediately come to the conclusion that painting should be his main occupation. To realize his talent Roerich was able to communicate with Kuindzhi, who agreed to become a teacher of a young artist.

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

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 her Roerich went on a trip to the ancient cities of Russia. The result was a series of paintings, displaying architectural monuments.

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

After the revolution, Roerich Nicholas Roerich and his wife go 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 great material about the traditions, customs and history of the lands where the expedition visited.

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

Nicholas Roerich died in India in 1947. His son brought pictures of his father to Russia.

KS Petrov-Vodkin (24.10.1878 - 15.02.1939)

Many remarkable works were left to their descendants by the artists of the Silver Age. One of the most famous painters, who worked 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 it were not for the local merchants who helped Kuzma Sergeevich get an education, he could never reveal his talent. First he studied in the class of painting in Samara, then went to hone his skills in Moscow, where he took lessons from the famous artist VA Serov.

Great importance in the biography of Petrov-Vodkin has a journey through Europe. Then he gets acquainted with the canvases of the Renaissance creators. Paintings of artists of the 20th century also had their influence: Petrov-Vodkin was struck by the works of French symbolists.

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

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

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

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

Kuzma Sergeevich died on February 15, 1939 in Leningrad.

K. S. Malevich (11.02.1879 - 15.05.1935)

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

No one could have guessed that a boy from a Polish family who was helping the villagers paint their stoves in his spare time would one day be great. Village life hit the future artist. He drew everything that especially sank into his soul.

The family often moved. When the Malevichs lived in Kiev, Kazimir Severinovich studied at the drawing school. In Kursk, he tried to earn money for training in Moscow. For a long time he could not do it. It is not known exactly, but it is believed that no one of his attempts failed. However, in Moscow Malevich acquired many new acquaintances, and also saw pictures 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 into the art world, shared with Malevich their ambitious ideas and vision of the future art.

The basis of painting himself Kazimir Severinovich considered color and feeling. He dreamed of changing the tradition of painting. For a long time he did not show his work to anyone. Finally they appeared at the futuristic exhibition. Shortly before it, Malevich published a pamphlet, in the title of which the first mention of Suprematism.

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 made by Malevich was recognized. Kazimir Severinovich had his first students, with whom he was engaged first in Vitebsk, and then in Petrograd. Malevich's fame also penetrated into other countries. He went to Germany to organize an exhibition of his own works.

Paintings by Malevich were exhibited in the Tretyakov Gallery. He was ready to work even further, but his health was getting worse every day. Kazimir Severinovich died on May 15, 1935.

S. Dali (11.05.1904 - 23.01.1989)

The most controversial artist of the last century, no doubt, is Salvador Dali. Very early in it the talent of the painter was opened. His parents were pleased that their boy likes to draw, so in every way encouraged his passion. El Salvador had the first teacher, Professor Joan Nunez.

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

At the Academy, Dali was interested in Cubism and Futurism. Then he created pictures "Adaptation and Hand" and "Portrait of Luis Buñuel". But from the Academy of El Salvador expelled 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 already then was known and arranged personal exhibitions. He tried himself not only as an artist, he also created films. The first film 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 many famous people, among whom were Russian artists, helped him find his own way. They became surrealism.

Almost all of the following pictures were somehow connected with Dali's beloved wife. He creates the "Consistency of memory" and "Paranoid transformation of the face of Gala."

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

After the war, Dali returns to his homeland. In this period, the horn of the rhinoceros appears in many of the artist's paintings. Among them, for example, "Nosorogoobraznaya figure Ilissa Fidia."

The real blow to Salvador Dali was the death of her beloved woman, Elena Dyakonova. He was so depressed that he could not attend her funeral. For a long time after this, Dali could not create a single picture. However, he was still insanely popular.

The last painting of Dali was the canvas "Swallow's Tail". After that, due to illness, the artist could no longer work. He died on January 23, 1989.

Frida Kahlo (06/07/1907 - July 13, 1954)

One of the few world-famous female artists of the past century was Frida Kahlo. She never wanted anything inferior to the opposite sex, she did sports, even took up boxing for a while.

Like many artists of Russia and the West, Frida did not immediately choose her way. She studied medicine. It was during the training that she met the famous artist Diego Rivera, who later becomes her husband.

When Frieda was 18, she was in a terrible accident. Because of this, she spent a long time in bed and could never 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 painted self-portraits.

At 22, Frida continued to receive education, but painting could not be left. She continued her work, became ever closer with Rivera, and then became his wife. But Diego struck a strong blow to Frida - he changed the artist with her sister. After that, Kalo created the picture "Only a few scratches."

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

Kalo dreamed of becoming a mother, but the injuries sustained during the accident did not allow her to do so. The main characters of her paintings are increasingly dead children. However, despite the suffering, Frida loved life, was a bright and positive person. She was interested in the policy of the USSR, admired the leaders. Attracted her and the artists of Russia. Frida wanted to draw a portrait of Stalin, but she did not finish her work.

Heavy injuries did not let them forget about themselves. 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 personal exhibition.

Frida Kahlo died of pneumonia on July 13, 1954.

D. Pollock (28.01.1912 - 11.08.1956)

One of the 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 1930s, Pollock became acquainted with the work of expressionists. Cloths made an indelible impression on him. Even though Pollock's paintings were original and original, it was felt that they were inspired by Picasso, the ideas of the Surrealists.

In 1947, Pollock created his own method of painting. He spilled paint on 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 nonconformist artists who also dreamed of finding their own way and showing the world their vision. Jackson became a symbol of innovation in art.

Pollock died on August 11, 1956.

E. Warhol (06.08.1928 - February 22, 1987)

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

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

Andy portrayed what was popular in the world at the time. He became the ancestor of a new direction, which received the name of pop art. Legendary became his paintings depicting Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, Mick Jagger and many other famous personalities.

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

Andy Warhol died on February 22, 1987.

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