Richard Vasmi

(Russian, 1929-1998)

Autoportrait/ Self-portrait

Footnotes

Provenance
Acquired directly from the artist
Private European collection

Literature
Arefiev Circle, Saint-Petersburg, 2002, p.195, illustrated. 

Offered with the book Arefiev Circle, Saint-Petersburg, 2002

Arefiev Circle or the "Order of Impoverished Painters," emerged in the 1950s as a beacon of artistic freedom and experimentation. Named after Alexander Arefiev, the group included artists such as Rikhard Vasmi, Vladimir Shagin, Sholom Schwartz, and Rodion Gudzenko. These artists shared a common vision: to create art that reflected their personal experiences and artistic sensibilities, rather than adhering to the rigid guidelines of official Soviet art.
The Arefiev Circle's work was characterized by its expressionist style, often featuring distorted forms, vivid colours, and emotional intensity. Their subjects ranged from the gritty urban landscapes of Leningrad to intimate portraits and abstract compositions. This approach stood in stark contrast to the idealized depictions of Soviet life demanded by the authorities. The Arefiev Circle inspired a generation of underground artists in Leningrad, contributing to the rich tradition of nonconformist art in the Soviet Union.