Spotlight on Georgy Kurasov: Contemporary, Colorful, Emotive Cubist Painter
Kurasov: Proof a creative mind can transcend stereotypes and escape the ordinary.
I recently stumbled upon Georgy Kurasov’s work and was immediately captivated by his fantastical, colorful compositions, reminiscent of 1920s Cubism. Imagine my surprise when I learned he is a contemporary painter! Even more astonishing is the fact that, in his early years, his teachers believed he had no talent for color.
From Sculpture to Painting
Kurasov was born in St. Petersburg in 1958, back when it was still called Leningrad. Recognizing his artistic potential, his mother enrolled him in the Academy of Arts at the age of 13. However, instead of directing him toward painting, his instructors—believing he lacked a feel for color—placed him in sculpture classes.
Despite the rigid artistic environment of Soviet Russia, Kurasov found ways to thrive, mingling with intellectual circles and talented young artists. After graduating, he served in the military, where he was fortunate enough to be appointed Court Artist to his general, allowing him to continue honing his craft.
“Those gloomy, narrow, incredibly high vaulted corridors, the vast, cold, grimy studios, everything was inhabited by the ghosts of long dead masters of ages past, whose influence was far more real than the insignificant apologists of Socialist Realism and of Marxist-Leninist aesthetics. The Academy was a solid amalgamation of temple to and prison of the arts.” — Kurasov.com
Overcoming Struggles and Finding Success
By 1984, Kurasov had completed his military service and returned to civilian life, but Russia in the Gorbachev era was far from an ideal place for artistic growth. He struggled against food shortages, political unrest, and the limitations imposed by Soviet artistic doctrine.
Yet, against the odds, Kurasov persevered. He petitioned for acceptance into the Union of Artists and was granted a small studio where he began developing his distinctive style. Since selling art in Russia was nearly impossible, he sought opportunities abroad. In 1993, his work was first exhibited in the United States, and from that point on, his paintings have been showcased exclusively in North America.
A Visionary in Cubism
Although Kurasov was trained as a sculptor, his true passion lay in painting. While he still resides in Russia, he remains detached from its art scene, leading many to assume he has emigrated. His work, infused with deep reds, purples, yellows, and turquoises, stands in stark contrast to the muted, gray landscapes of St. Petersburg.
Once told he lacked an understanding of color, Kurasov now produces dazzling, jewel-toned masterpieces that pulse with energy and movement. His distinctive cubist style, reminiscent of Picasso yet entirely his own, transforms each canvas into a symphony of fragmented forms and luminous hues.
An Artist Beyond Borders
Kurasov’s story is one of defiance, determination, and reinvention. From a young artist doubted by his instructors to a celebrated painter whose works shimmer like gemstones under dazzling light, his journey is nothing short of extraordinary.
His time in art school, despite its challenges, remains one of the best periods of his life—an experience that shaped his artistic voice and set him on the path to international acclaim. Today, his paintings continue to mesmerize audiences, proving that true artistry knows no boundaries.
For more information about Georgy Kurosov visit:
http://kurasov.com
Join the Kurosov Facebook community
İncredible paintings. Very symbolic. Almost verging on being mathematical descriptions. Expressing entities with simple yet powerful and complete characteristics. Woman, room, building, etc. Very active use of color perspective and intersections that make the elements almos 3D. Escaping ordinary? yes. An exraordinarily Transcendent technique into the eseence of objects beneath the surface of the ordinary. Can’t say much more cause I am only an electrical engineer and not an arts person by profession.