Maple Ridge artist Vladimir Kolosov hosts an exhibit of his graphic artwork at the library until the end of December.
Born in the former U.S.S.R., Kolosov studied painting, sculpture and music at Moscow’s Fine Arts Youth School, a program that ran parallel to a regular primary and secondary education.
It was a time when only one movement was official approved and supported – socialist realism with a mission to further of the goals of socialism and communism.
It prompted Kolosov to investigate other art movements.
He was drawn to surrealists, whose works featured unexpected juxtapositions and dream-like imagery.
“I follow this style because I like people to think,” says Kolosov, who counts Turner, Picasso, Serov and many 19th and early 20th century Russian artists among his influences.
Although he studied art, Kolosov abandoned his dreams for a life steeped in creative pursuit for a more practical one as a mathematician.
When Perestroika began dismantling the Marxist-Leninist-Stalinist state, Kolosov seized the opportunity to study business.
He currently works as a consultant and is self-employed. Why feature only graphics in the exhibition?
“Because graphic, and live drawing in particular, is the fundamental of the fine art and design,” says Kolosov, who is a member of the South Delta Artists Guild and Garibaldi Arts Club.
“Graphics always better reflect the nuances.”
The exhibit features 19 pieces by Kolosov including graphite drawings, linocuts, lithographs as well as work in watercolour and ink. It is at the library until the end of December.