Yuri Ivanovich Pimenov (born November 26, 1903 – died September 6, 1977) – an outstanding Russian painter of the 20th century, graphic artist and creator of posters, artist. Yuri Pimenov’s paintings are both in keeping with the innovative spirit of our time and true stories about the fate of an ordinary person. The image of a pure, bright future appeared in his paintings and graphics, changing and ennobling the surrounding reality.

Yuri Pimenov in the early stages of his work was influenced by German expressionism, and over time he moved to updated impressionism.

Biography of Yuri Ivanovich Pimenov

Yuri Ivanovich Pimenov was born into the family of an assistant lawyer and the daughter of a merchant Babanin in 1903. From the age of seven he began studying at the gymnasium and drew enthusiastically. The father and school teacher supported the boy’s artistic inclinations. In 1915, he went to study at a Sunday painting school in Zamoskvorechye.

The historical events of 1917 did not allow me to attend school anymore. However, Pimenov did not give up. At the beginning of 1920, he brought his sketches to Sergei Malyutin, an honorary master at that time. The Met liked the work of the young artist. So Yuri was accepted to study at VKHUTEMAS. The painter, aimed at agitation, cared about how to use technological techniques of easel painting to show the visibility of light, volume and that fascinating phenomenon of empathy, which later became his individual signature.

Career

In 1925, under the leadership of teacher David Shterenberg, the Society of Easel Painters (OST) was organized, which was joined by Yuri Pimenov. The revolutionary atmosphere and the interest of like-minded people in modern forms were reflected in his work.

In 1931, the OST disintegrated, some of the members created the Isobrigade association, and Pimenov joined it. However, the “Izobrigade” failed to realize its creative plans due to the state Decree that imposed a ban on the activities of artistic organizations. In the same year, Yuri Pimenov married Natalya Bernadskaya. The young man was kind to his wife and often depicted her in paintings.

1932 was a difficult period in the artist’s biography.

He was often criticized and got sick. But over time, life got better, sharp lines and dark colors disappeared from the paintings, and lyrical subjects appeared.

During the Great Patriotic War, Yuri Pimenov, together with OSTO artist Vladimir Vasiliev, worked on “TASS Windows,” creating a series of small-circulation posters with calls for the defense of the Motherland. In 1943 he was sent to the Northwestern Front, and later to Leningrad. At this time, stories were written about life in the rear.

After the war, the artist was invited to VGIK as a teacher. Combining teaching with creativity, he took part in the work on the film “Kuban Cossacks”, designed theatrical productions, illustrated books and enthusiastically painted city landscapes of post-war Moscow and still lifes.

Awards

For theatrical scenery, the artist was twice awarded a state prize – in 1947 and 1950. Since the mid-50s of the last century, he had the opportunity to visit abroad and wrote a series of essays and paintings. In 1954, Pimenov was invited to the USSR Academy of Arts, and in 1962 he was elected academician. In his declining years he received the title of People’s Artist of the USSR (1970) and the highest award of the Soviet Union – the Order of Lenin (1973). The talented painter passed away on September 6, 1977.

Pimenov’s radiant art is still attractive today. Each of his works is a whole story telling the story of the era of socialist realism.