Victor Anufriev |
The childhood of Victor Anufriev created inner impressions that today manifest themselves into his incredible paintings and icons. He was born in Gorodec on the Volga River, a beautiful small Russian town long known for its rich heritage of Russian art. Some of his earliest memories are of his christening in Pokrov Church - the glistening gold of the altar and icons, the glittering robes of the priest, the dazzling light from the high dome. These visual identities show up in his stunning paintings that are instantly recognizable from Victor Anufriev.
Known mainly for his unique figurative paintings and icons, he brings to us a style that pulls us in to observe the mystery of the scene, to intellectually challenge us to decipher the symbolism, to dwell on the complexity of life, to consider, even admire, the artist’s mind behind the painting.
Born in 1958 on the banks of the Volga, his mother was a doctor and his father an engineer at a local plant. Although his parents were professionals their living was modest so they started a fur garment business which was successful and gave the family a better living. This business also helped later to cover the education of Victor in art schools. His home town was known for a particular style of painting called Gorodec Lobok painting so he was exposed to art at an early age. He remembers in his youth how his teachers and classmates were impressed that he was the best artist in his school. Even in these early days his skill was creating unusual textures using ordinary brushes. His path to artistic uniqueness had started.
His basic education in graphical arts was at the Gorodec Pedagogical College, he graduated in 1978, led to a two year period of self-education at museums and exhibitions in Moscow. This was an important period for Victor as he began the process of creative self-assimilation of his surroundings, which later morphed into his own expressionistic style. His acceptance in 1982 to the famous Design department of the, Mukhine’s Academia of Applied Arts in St Petersburg, and later the Monumental painting department were the final periods of formal training. While the great Russian museums had opened the world of art to him the Academia had refined his disciplines and helped him invent new techniques. He became a unique and creative artist, recognized as a Master and accepted into the prestigious Artist’s Union of Russia in 1994.
Becoming a Master artist in Russia is a recognized and significant event. He achieved this without losing his connections to the impressions of his youth. His paintings have deep connection to icon-like imagery, complex symbolism and at times mysterious sensual overtones. To see a Victor Anufriev painting or icon is to remember it forever.
Starting in 1997 his work has been represented in many international art galleries and has appeared in exhibitions across Europe and South America. His work is now in private collections in Russia, Europe, Scandinavia, South America and The United States.