VLADIMIR GORSKY POP ART'S NEW MAESTRO IS DEDICATED TO TRADITION
By Jaime Ellin Forbes
If your eye is caught by the splash of vibrant color of Vladimir Gorsky's Pop portraits, you are in good company. Sir Roger Moore and the renowned philanthropist/fundraiser Carolyn Farb are both in agreement with you. They have been caught up in the same sense of appeal, having had their images immortalized in the “Pop” manner by this master. Others who have shared in the diversity of style at Vladimir 's disposal, and have opted for a more traditional pose, are former president George Bush Sr. and Barbara Bush, as well as Gary Hart.
Gorsky's encompassing mind has woven a highly skilled, thread of artistic insight and stylistic capacity throughout the body of his works, using multiple approaches that he employs and directs by exercising the expression of his creative drive. Tapestry of the Centuries is an example of Gorsky's Da Vinci-like acumen for drafting a detailed outline of perspective, one woven throughout his artistic process. His love of history has brought a seamless harmony to Gorsky's voluminous works enhanced, by this accuracy of line, is observed in traditional portraits and images like From Depth of Ages, and Miracle in the Desert.
Evolving his developed fine line, necessary for traditional works, Gorsky's refined process is used to accentuate and individualize his pop images. Marilyn Monroe or Ray Charles become outlined with rich pop color. The artist's more personal approach to Pop art; by accenting the fine art line and articulating the personal nuance of his in a pop art subject, set his style apart. Making him uniquely different in a cookie cutter world of Pop.
Vladimir Gorsky resides in Dalas, via Houston , after emigrating from Russia in 1987 with a suitcase filled with creativity and classical, painterly know-how. Pop portraiture, Icon restoration and master works were packed in Gorsky's imagination, later to emerge and become his artistic portfolio. Gorsky's finite line was tempered in part by the artistic schooling he received in Russia in conjunction with his innate interest in art. The artistic background and learned discipline lends Vladimir 's work the springboard from which to employ and use unlimited imagination through his use of color, thus giving his works a fresh approach.
One of Gorsky's primary current themes is American culture. Focusing on pop portraits of Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, John Lennon, John Wayne, and James Dean, to name but a few, celebrated entertainment and musical giants of the last half of the 2oth century have been further immortalized, in a fresh manner, by Gorsky, who is a spiritual descendant of the late Andy Warhol's Pop Art tradition.
Accented with the hot colors of the 21 st century, Gorsky's images are reminiscent of a psychedelic yesteryear. “Roll over Beethoven” – the Beatles have landed – is a launching pad for the nostalgic message in these works painted today, in Vladimir's electric pop style. Framed in vibrant splashes of blue magenta, yellow, and red, a dazzling Ray Charles comes into the light. Seen in the artist's bold expression of profuse color, Brother Ray remains as timeless as his music, captured before the microphone singing, perhaps, “Georgia On My Mind” or “Hit The Road Jack” or “America The Beautiful.” These classics hang in the air and the viewer is free to fill in the rest with his or her imagination set on fire.
Gorsky uses flat colors of bright contrast to develop a three dimensional quality in his work. He is able to enhance the photographic origins of the Campbell Soup Can concept and bring the essence of the portrait subject into crystalline psychedelic focus. A glimpse into each individual celebrity is captured and underscored by the defining line and attitude presented. The tilt of Brando's head and the glance of the eye says Godfather. John Wayne is Rooster Coburn in his ten gallon hat. Captured for posterity is the essence of not only the performer, but the performance.
The original paintings are executed in acrylics on canvas. The brush work captures the bold and lush look reminiscent of the immediate power employed by the giants of popular art like Warhol and Peter Max, which they used to great effect in their graphic-like pieces. But these works are hand painted directly on the canvas by the artist. “There is always some difference in any Marilyn Monroe painting,” notes Grosky. “Making every canvas original and unique is my objective.” Gorsky's experience servers to refine his approach and commit his expert pop style to the originals. The individuality of each and every canvas lends extra value to the paintings. Complexity and control of technique are key elements in Vladimir 's more traditional works. Tapestry of the Centuries is a notable, critically acknowledged master work (9' x 18') depicting a 2,000 year time-line, illustrating 350 people, places and events that shaped two millennia. Miracle in the Desert (7.5' x 12.5'), is an artistic montage depicting a history of Las Vegas . The From Depth of Ages series are historical works, extrapolated in interpretations, from the stone tablets to the Mona Lisa. All examples further validate Gorsky's artistic acumen. Perhaps this is why former President George Bush stated at the installation of Barbara Bush's portrait at his presidential library in College Station , Texas , that Gorsky's portrayal “is the finest portrait ever done of Barbara.” Gorsky's extensive background in portrait painting includes Gary Hart, George Bush and more that 50 other commissions from Canada to Mexico .
Gorsky's classical training and love of American culture and its entertainment industry triggered the development of the Pop portraits along with a bold and confident approach that has come to identify the uniqueness of the works. When viewed side by side with Gorsky's master works an underlying defining line emerges from the images. Then two divergent bodies of work can begin to be seen and understood as a cohesive artistic approach adapting classical technique, color and composition. Gorsky's works are appreciated widely by his collector's for the originality of his style.
Gorsky's images are happy and original with an acute awareness and underlying sensitivity to the nature of the subject matter. The inhabitants of his portraits – like Marilyn Monroe – step out of the mist and into the light, becoming instant icons once again. Gorsky's glimpse into the heart and soul of a situation is captured and underscored by the defining line and attitude presented in his collection, which we can safely define as his masterworks. |
 Philanthropist Sir Roger Moore being presented with his portrait by Vladimir Gorsky in honor of his work on behalf of Unisef.
Dr. Carolyn Farb, philanthropist and author, acrylic on canvas, 36” x 36”, private collection 
Donna Arp, the “honorable” former mayor of Colleyville, Texas, acrylic on canvas 36” x 36”, private collection 
Vladimir Gorsky presents former President George Bush with his portrait which now hangs in his Houston, Texas office. 
Tapestry of the Centuries, Mixed media on canvas, 9' x 18' 
Miracle in the Desert, Mixed media on canvas, 7.5' x 12.5' 
From Depth of Ages, #10, Mixed media on canvas, 30” x 40” 
Vladimir Gorsky and Chuck Norris. Gorsky has worked closely with many philanthropic organizations including Chuck Norris's “Kickstart” which benefits at-risk children. The artist's desire to help others include generous donations of his art works to educational institutions and health related programs. |
