Tair Salahov People's Artist of the USSR, Hero of Socialist Labor, laureate of State Prizes of the USSR and Azerbaijan SSR, vice-president of the Russian Academy of Arts Date of Birth: 29.11.1928 Country: Azerbaijan

1. Biography of Tair Salahov
2. Education and Early Career
3. Artistic Style and Significance
4. International Recognition and Exhibitions
5. Teaching and Contribution to Art
6. Contribution to the Academy of Arts
7. Public and Political Involvement

Biography of Tair Salahov

Tair Teymur oglu Salahov is a renowned Azerbaijani artist, born on November 29, 1928, in Baku, Azerbaijan. He is a People's Artist of the USSR, Hero of Socialist Labor, laureate of the State Prizes of the USSR and the Azerbaijan SSR. Salahov has been honored with prestigious titles such as "People's Artist of the Azerbaijan SSR" (1963), "People's Artist of the USSR" (1973), and "People's Artist of the Russian Federation" (1996). He has also been elected as an honorary correspondent member of the Union of Artists of Austria (1983), a corresponding member of the French Academy of Arts (1987), and the Vice President and Honorary President of the International Association of Plastic Arts (AIAP) at UNESCO (1983). Salahov is a member of various art academies and societies, including the Academy of Arts of Azerbaijan, the Academy of Arts of Kyrgyzstan, and the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando in Spain. He is also a Vice President of the International Federation and Creative Union of Artists of Russia (1992).

Education and Early Career

Salahov graduated from the Moscow State Surikov Institute of Fine Arts in 1957, specializing in painting under the guidance of P.D. Pokarzhevsky. Even his early works gained recognition and were exhibited at major exhibitions, acquired by Moscow museums, and awarded first prizes at International Youth and Student Festivals in Moscow and Vienna. Salahov emerged as one of the founders of the "severe style," an innovative artistic movement of the late 1950s and early 1960s. He is widely known for his portraits, landscapes, still lifes, and large multi-figure compositions. Salahov's artworks demonstrate a mastery of composition, line, and color, and his paintings possess a monumental character reminiscent of frescoes.

Artistic Style and Significance

Salahov is a world-renowned artist who keenly captures the rhythms of life and has the ability to listen and hear the times. His works reflect the moral dilemmas and concerns of contemporary society. Salahov is a leading portraitist of international stature, portraying individuals as the main value of the universe. His love for family and friends is evident in works such as "Aidan" (1967), "Alagez - Legend of the East" (2002), portraits of his mother, a series of portraits of his wife Varvara Aleksandrovna Salahova, "Portrait of Dan" (1983), "Portrait of Evgeny Dunayevsky" (1997), which radiate kindness and warmth. For over 40 years, Salahov has created a gallery of cultural figures embodying determination, creative energy, and artistic excellence. His brilliant portraits of composers Dmitry Shostakovich, Kara Karayev, ballerinas Irina Struve and Olga Rukavishnikova, artist Robert Rauschenberg, actors Maximilian Schell and Irina Miroshnichenko, and writer Hermann Hesse are widely recognized.

International Recognition and Exhibitions

Salahov's artworks have an incredible quality of remaining not only relevant but often surpassing time. The further one gets from the date of their creation, the more significant his paintings become. Salahov's creative range is exceptionally broad, encompassing painting, graphic arts, and scenography. He has participated in numerous international exhibitions and biennials, showcasing his impressions from his travels around the world. Salahov's works have been exhibited in major museums in Russia and other countries, including the State Tretyakov Gallery, the Moscow Museum of Modern Art, and the State Museum of the East in Moscow, as well as the State Russian Museum and the Scientific Research Museum of the Russian Academy of Arts in St. Petersburg. His works are also held in many public and private collections worldwide.

Teaching and Contribution to Art

Salahov dedicated a significant part of his life to teaching. He taught at the Azerbaijan State Institute named after M. Aliyev from 1963 to 1974. From 1974 to 1992, he led the studio of easel painting at the Moscow State Academic Art Institute named after V.I. Surikov and served as the head of the department of painting and composition from 1984 to 1992. Salahov has trained generations of painters who work in Russia, the CIS countries, and many other countries around the world. His students have become renowned artists, laureates of national and international competitions, leaders of artistic associations and cultural institutions, and distinguished professors at leading art universities. Salahov has played a significant role in the history of artistic associations in the Soviet Union and Russia. He served as the first secretary of the Union of Artists of the USSR for four terms, from 1973 to 1992. Salahov was instrumental in developing and strengthening international cultural ties, organizing major exhibitions of renowned artists, and promoting Russian art globally.

Contribution to the Academy of Arts

Salahov has been closely connected with the Russian Academy of Arts for nearly forty years. He became a corresponding member in 1966, a full member in 1975, and a member of the Presidium in 1979. Salahov served as the academic secretary of the painting department from 1979 to 2001 and was elected Vice President for Foreign Affairs in 1997. He has actively participated in various activities of the Academy, including organizing exhibitions, conferences, and memorial events. Salahov played a crucial role in the restoration of the Christ the Savior Cathedral, working as part of the artistic council of the Russian Academy of Arts. He provided consultation and practical assistance, particularly in the creation of murals and monumental compositions within the cathedral. Salahov's students also made significant contributions to the restoration and painting of the cathedral.

Public and Political Involvement

In addition to his artistic career, Salahov has been involved in public and political activities. He was elected as a deputy to the Supreme Soviet of the Azerbaijan SSR from 1963 to 1967 and a deputy to the Supreme Soviet of the USSR from 1966 to 1974. Salahov also served as a deputy to the Supreme Soviet of the RSFSR from 1980 to 1988. He held various positions related to education, culture, and science within the political bodies. Salahov's contributions to the arts and society have been recognized with numerous awards and honors.

Tair Salahov's artistic legacy is significant, and his contributions to the art world and cultural diplomacy are immeasurable. He continues to inspire and influence artists, leaving a lasting impact on the development of art in Russia and beyond.