Boris Kosarev Ukrainian cubo-futurist artist, graphic artist Date of Birth: 04.08.1897 Country: Ukraine

1. Early Life and Family Background
2. Artistic Upbringing
3. Education and Artistic Beginnings
4. Artistic Influences and Involvement

Early Life and Family Background

Boris Kosarev was born on August 4, 1897, in Kharkiv, Ukraine, to Vasily Sergeevich Kosarev and Olympiada (Aia) Pavlovna Vesnechule. His father was an engineer, and his mother hailed from a peasant family in Lithuania.

Artistic Upbringing

Kosarev was raised in an intellectual household that greatly valued the arts. His father played guitar, sang, and recited poetry, while his mother introduced him to religious iconography, instilling in him an appreciation for color.

Education and Artistic Beginnings

In 1911, at the age of 14, Kosarev enrolled in the Artistic and Craft Workshop of Decorative Painting in Kharkiv. His early works gained recognition, with a newspaper singling out his pastels at an exhibition in 1914.

In 1915, Kosarev enrolled in the Art College, where he studied painting under Alexander Kokel, drawing under Mikhail Pestrikov, and tempera and glue painting under Alexander Lyubimov. His fellow students included Vladimir Bobritsky, who later became a renowned illustrator in the United States.

Artistic Influences and Involvement

During his studies, Kosarev became associated with the Kharkiv Cubo-Futurist group "Union of Seven" or "The Seven." Its members included artists such as Vladimir Bobritsky, Vasily Dyakov, and Grigory Tsapko. Kosarev also worked as a church decorator and assistant decorator in the theater, beginning his career as a theatrical artist.