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Kirill ZdanevichGeorgian Soviet artist
Country:
 Georgia |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Artistic Influences
- Collaborations and Exhibitions
- International Recognition
- Political Imprisonment and Rehabilitation
- Later Years
Early Life and Education
Born in Tiflis, Georgia, to a Polish father and a Georgian mother, Zdanewicz was exposed to the arts from an early age. He attended painting and drawing courses in Tiflis before enrolling in the Academy of Arts in St. Petersburg, which he eventually left without graduating.
Artistic Influences
Zdanewicz was influenced by Cubo-Futurism, a movement that emerged in Russia in the early 20th century. He experimented with various artistic styles, including "orchestral painting" and "panism." Zdanewicz was also associated with the "41°" group of artists.
Collaborations and Exhibitions
In 1913, along with his brother and M.V. Le-Danty, Zdanewicz played a pivotal role in discovering the art of Niko Pirosmani, a renowned Georgian painter. He collaborated with Mikhail Larionov and Natalia Goncharova and exhibited with the "Donkey's Tail" and "Target" groups.
International Recognition
In Paris, Zdanewicz studied at Alexander Archipenko's studio and received praise from Pablo Picasso. During the period of Georgian independence (1917-1920), he returned to his homeland and designed sets for plays at the Shota Rustaveli Theater.
Political Imprisonment and Rehabilitation
After the Soviet annexation of Georgia in 1921, Zdanewicz traveled to Constantinople and Paris. In 1949, he was arrested and sentenced to 15 years in a labor camp in Vorkuta. He was released in 1957 and rehabilitated shortly after.
Later Years
Returning to Tbilisi, Zdanewicz continued to paint and create illustrations for children's books. He was honored as a Merited Artist of the Georgian SSR. Despite the hardships and setbacks he faced, Zdanewicz's passion for art and his unique artistic vision left a lasting impact on Georgian and international art.
