Mikhail Shemyakin. Pictures and monuments

The creative path of a true creator is sometimes not at all simple. Artist Mikhail Shemyakin (Chemiakin), probably, rightfully refers to this category of people.

Young years

His childhood was spent in the German Democratic Republic, and at the age of fourteen, Mikhail returned to Leningrad, where he entered the art school at the Institute. Repin. From this institution, Shemyakin was soon expelled "for non-compliance with socialist realistic principles in art" and "aesthetic corruption" of fellow students. Words worthy of genius! The young artist Mikhail Shemyakin was forced to work as a watchman, an auxiliary worker, a postman. In 1962 the first official exhibition of works by the painter was opened.

The group "St. Petersburg" (1967)

At that time, the group of artists "St. Petersburg", which Mikhail Shemyakin created, was known. Paintings written at that time entered the cycles "Gallant scenes in St. Petersburg", "Carnivals of St. Petersburg", "Carcasses". Here, in the form of a grotesque, the past of Russia and its desire for the future were described. And together with the philosopher V.Ivanov, a theory was created dedicated to new forms of icon painting - "metaphysical synthetism", in the development of which Mikhail Shemyakin also actively participated. The paintings of that period are based on the study of religious arts of different eras and countries. Shemyakin even becomes a novice in the Pskov-Caves Monastery.

Exile

Creativity of the artist in the "Soviet" period was repeatedly subjected to close attention from the authorities and "fellow" on the brush. Arrests after the exhibitions, illegal confiscation of paintings, forced psychiatric treatment. It is interesting that, according to Mikhail himself, the initiators of persecution were often not law enforcement bodies, but brothers-comrades artists, members of the Union. Everything that Mikhail Shemyakin wrote (pictures of that period) has been preserved little.

The result of the efforts of the relevant bodies and individuals calling themselves artists was the expulsion of Shemyakin from the USSR (1971). Since then, talent has thrived in Paris, and then - in New York (since 1981), where it receives the well-deserved recognition of true connoisseurs of art. Abroad Shemyakin did a lot and makes non-conformists for Russian writers and artists, publishing their works and arranging annual exhibitions.

Friendship with Vysotsky

They met already in Paris (1974) and became friends ever since. Poet and artist, according to the memories of others, were a kind of creative symbiosis. Vysotsky devoted to Mikhail his poems and songs. Shemyakin - painted paintings, illustrating the work of Vladimir Semenovich. And after his death - he created a monument to the great poet, who was installed in Samara. Only forty-two illustrations to the works of Vysotsky were drawn by Mikhail Shemyakin. The paintings of this cycle bear the names: "The End of Wolves Hunting", "Cony Fussy", "Domes", "Nabat", "My Gypsy", "Save Our Souls" and many, many others.

He acquainted the great geniuses of modern times Baryshnikov. Vysotsky at that time already married Marina Vlady and came to "stay" in Paris. All night Vladimir performed his new and already well-known songs, and then Shemyakin and Vysotsky wandered the Seine until morning. Mikhail recalled that it felt as if they had known each other always, then broke up - and again met after a long separation. So much had to be done to tell each other. So many events have happened during this time! And it was necessary to speak out, to have time at all costs.

This creative friendship lasted for several more years, until the poet's death, which the artist experienced hard. And even after: Shemyakin publishes abroad for the first time a complete collection of songs and compositions by Vladimir Vysotsky.

Later creativity

In 2000, the Imaginary Museum was born in Hudson (USA), created by artist Mikhail Shemyakin. The paintings collected there - on the subjects of research that he started back in the 70s - are structured in various categories, philosophical and religious, historical and technical. Result: Shemyakin is awarded five doctoral degrees. Known in Russia is the thematic program "Imaginary Museum Shemyakin", produced for the channel "Culture" in 2002-2003. In his native St. Petersburg, Mikhail organizes exhibitions on the basis of his research, produces catalogs of art, coming to Russia.

From monumental works: in St. Petersburg - a monument to Peter, a monument to victims of political repressions, a monument to the first builders of St. Petersburg. In Moscow - a composition of sculptures "Children - victims of adult vices."

In the creative arsenal of the author - the opera "The Nose" by Gogol, the original version of the ballet "The Nutcracker", the ballet based on Hoffmann's "The Magic Nut".

Since the 90's to this day, along with V. Polunin Shemyakin arranges performances in various cities around the world.

Last works

In 2007, the artist again returns to France (Chateauroux). Here he settled and works in various directions: drawing, monumental sculpture, scenery for the theater and cinema. The most original, which creates today Mikhail Shemyakin, - paintings from garbage. They won the attention of connoisseurs of the artist in many countries.