Valentin Vorobyev Artist Date of Birth: .

1. A Russian Impressionist Abroad
2. From Russia with Art
3. Exhibitions Under Fire
4. Moscow Memories
5. A European Outlook
6. Remembering Khvostenko

A Russian Impressionist Abroad

For the first time in 25 years, renowned artist Valentin Vorobyov returned to Moscow from France, where he had been a prominent figure in the second wave of the Russian avant-garde and a co-organizer of the infamous Bulldozer Exhibition. His memoirs, "Enemy of the People," were presented at the annual Bathing Sessions conference.

From Russia with Art

"The facades have changed, but the people have not," Vorobyov remarked upon his arrival in Russia. Despite decades away, he maintained a strong connection to his homeland. "I'm not a political emigrant," he asserted. "I simply changed my place of residence and consider myself a Russian artist."

Exhibitions Under Fire

Vorobyov faced scrutiny for his involvement in various controversial exhibitions. "They wanted me to take politics out of it," he said of the Western perception of Soviet artists as political activists. "But I just wanted to sell my paintings, not ride bulldozers."

Moscow Memories

Vorobyov's memoir paints a vivid picture of his life in Moscow's underground art scene. His basement studio was a refuge for creatives and intellectuals, filled with antique furniture and a library of rare books. "The Chinese were always hanging around," he recalled. "I told them to write 'Jewish' on their nationality applications, and they all got out."

A European Outlook

In Paris, Vorobyov observed a fundamental shift in artistic relationships. "We became Europeans," he explained. "Artists are like secret laboratories with their work. There's no need to let colleagues in—they'll steal or betray you."

Remembering Khvostenko

Vorobyov fondly remembered poet and artist Dmitry Khvostenko. "He was always drunk," he said, "but wrote remarkable poetry. He was like a bohemian archetype—anarchistic and artistic." Khvostenko's distinctive ragged sweater became his trademark, even when he exhibited his paintings in London.