VLADIMIR GORSKY: HISTORY SHOWN THROUGH ART
by Koleen
Kaffan
Embracing the breadth
and depth of fine art has been the basis for much of Vladimir Gorsky’s
life, privately and professionally. So much so that his paintings have
crossed many mediums, genres, styles, and subjects. This could be
equated to a sort of rebellion on his part, as the artist grew up in the
former Soviet Union where influences of the outside world were strictly
forbidden. Today, Gorsky’s work spans from traditional to Pop art, all
telling a story of historical significance.
Born in 1953 in a historic
quarter of Moscow, surrounded by beautiful buildings, Gorsky was an only
child. His parents divorced when he was just one year old, and he grew up
with his mother and stepfather. His father soon emigrated to the U.S. His
mother, not realizing that her son had artistic inclinations encouraged
him to play a musical instrument. At age seven, he was enrolled in piano
lessons which he dreaded. “My mother meant well, but I did not like
playing at all.” Meanwhile, his mother would take him to art museums,
unknowingly fueling a fire burning inside her son. “It was amazing to see
the work of Masters like da Vinci and Rembrandt. In the former Soviet
Union, to become an artist was not easy. There wasn’t much
opportunity to learn about other cultures, let alone what modern western
life was like. At the museums I was able to see beautiful paintings and
sculpture from artists all around the world. It helped to open my eyes to
not only other styles of art, but also other cultures.”
His favorite artist became
Dali during these formative years. “Dali was a big influence for me
because he wasn’t just a great painter, but also a wonderful fantasy
artist and draftsman too.” Soon, Gorsky joined the Russian army to work as
an artist. He began creating posters for the army, mostly political
portraits of commanders and chiefs. This started his early work of
portraits. After leaving the military at age 21, he began a career as a
commercial artist, but always in the back of his mind there was a need to
be a professional artist working in a studio on his own projects.
Meanwhile, back in the
U.S. his father was working furiously to obtain permission for his son to
immigrate. “For a couple of years, my father was writing letters to
congressmen and senators. One of the letters was to Gary Hart who, at the
time, was running for president.” In 1986, Hart visited Russia and Gorsky
was able to meet with him.
Shortly thereafter, he was
invited to immigrate to the U.S. He landed in Texas. His father, overjoyed
but somewhat cynical of his son’s chosen career path, tried to help keep
his head straight. “He took me to a frameshop and showed me a painting on
the wall. He said that it was an original and that it was priced at
$49.95. He then told me how the shop would make 50%, and then there was
the price of the frame to consider. The amount that the artist would make
was miniscule.” That made Gorsky think, but it did not discourage him. He
stuck to his guns and his first painting sold for $4,000, no frame.
Some of Gorsky’s early
work centered around Russian fairytales depicted in gouache on rice paper,
combining Chinese Hunan influences with the look of stained glass and old
Russian style. At this time he also developed his portrait work
extensively, embracing a very traditional look and feel to them, having
done portraits for George Bush Sr., Barbara Bush, Gary Hart, and others.
In 1996 he started work on a piece called “Tapestry of the Centuries”
which featured the history of the world from Christ to 1999, the year the
work was completed. It stood 18 by 9 feet and depicted 350 people and
events.
Pop art became
increasingly important to Gorsky as well, and he began a series of
portraits of Marilyn Monroe. Subjects since then have included Hollywood
idols, famous icons, musicians, and entertainers. Using bold colors, the
artist puts as much effort and thought into the backgrounds of each
portrait, as he does the contours of the subject’s face. The background
also tells an important story of the subject’s persona, as much so as
their image alone. Today, Gorsky lives in Dallas with his fiancée Jeanette
Korab who also works as his manager. One year ago, he brought his mother
over from Russia. With two studios —one in Houston and one in Dallas—Gorsky
paints his original work in a unique manner. “I know that not all people
can afford to buy an original piece of art at $25,000. I have a series of
limited edition originals, in which I create one master original, and then
from there, recreate the piece in a series of around 100. This way, each
piece is a unique original, and is more affordable. The hardest part is
painting that first image. It is easier to duplicate it.”
This leaves Gorsky with
little time for much else—even his thoughts are consumed with his work. “I
will dream about ways to finish a painting, I try to write my ideas down,
but they come from everywhere and can be overwhelming. My brain is always
busy thinking about my art.” What is most vital to him is leaving a
legacy—his mark that he was here. “The main thing for me is that when I
die, I will be happy that my paintings are still here and are being
enjoyed. Every canvas tells a story, and that’s part of the reason it is
important that each be unique.” Gorsky’s acrylic on canvas work retails
for $2,000 to $25,000, with special projects up to $250,000. Call Gorsky
Fine Art at (972) 333- 1468 or: www.gorskyfineart.com.
|
Vladimir Gorsky, pictured in front of his
piece, “Tapestry of the Centuries.”
"Marlon Brando", an acrylic on canvas,
in private collection
"Marilyn Monroe", an acrylic on canvas,
in private collection
|
