Malakov George - Ukrainian artist

Malakov Georgy (also - George Malakov, February 10, 1928 - June 14, 1979, Kyiv) - an outstanding Ukrainian graphic artist of the 20th century. Honored Artist of the Ukrainian SSR in 1974, member of the Union of Soviet Artists of Ukraine.

The artist's work was multifaceted. He worked in easel and book graphics, created bookplates, but is best known for his linocuts.

Early years and education

Georgy Malakov was born in Kyiv to a family that encouraged his artistic inclinations from an early age. The creative biography of Georgy Vasilyevich Malakov is typical and at the same time unique. The boy drew a lot, and even in his childhood drawings his extraordinary powers of observation, the ability to accumulate impressions in his memory, and then embody them in visual images were reflected. Endowed with extraordinary powers of observation and memory, he at the same time admired everything that boys his age admired: he read adventure stories and novels featuring brave heroes and knights. Since 1937, he studied at the art studio at the Kiev Palace of Pioneers, then prepared to enter the Kyiv Art Secondary School and the war began. Georgy was then thirteen years old. The events of the heroic defense of Kyiv, the terrible occupation and liberation were perceived at his age, with all their drama, as if in two dimensions, leaving countless bright and fascinating impressions. These circumstances will leave a deep mark on G. Malakov’s soul for the rest of his life and will be reflected in his interests and creative activities.

The military theme became the leitmotif of his entire education, from art school to the institute. It was manifested both in his first works and in his constant attention to the monuments of past events: exhibits collected at the trophy exhibition, and even more so – to the tanks, planes, guns left by the war on the roads and fields of Ukraine. And above all – at the Bukrin bridgehead over the Dnieper, near Radomyshl in the Zhitomir region, near Nemirov in the Vinnytsia region – places where G. Malakov traveled a lot, with which he has many impressions and memories.

In 1944, he entered the Kyiv Art Secondary School named after T. Shevchenko. Education at this educational institution gave him a solid foundation in classical painting and technique. After graduating from the Kyiv Art School in 1949, he continued his education by entering the graphic department of the Kyiv Art Institute. Here, his mentors were the famous masters Kassian and Pashchenko.

The phenomenon of G. Malakov's work is that in all his drawings and engravings there is a more or less expressive connection with his personal preferences, with his personal life and, most characteristically, with the years of his childhood and youth. Everything that the teenager was fond of at one time organically entered into the work of the artist Georgy Malakov. And from here - the plot content of his works, and their frank sincerity, and, in the end, their unexpected, unusual dissimilarity to that balanced rationalism, which is the product of an official order, which did not find a response in the soul of the artist.

Drawing, artistic transfer of various impressions to paper, embodiment in visual images of everything that filled his life, that was admiration, in the end, what an ordinary day with its inherent concerns and actions consisted of, was a characteristic feature of his personality. Something in this from childhood, when drawing was like a game, when in it, as in a theater, plots unfolded in time were played out.

This feature of a truly creative personality led to the fact that, working a lot, the artist, however, did not immediately come to large-scale themes that would put him in line with the leading masters working nearby. But over time, the reverse process began - seemingly small-scale, chamber, ultimately, once irrelevant works acquire ever greater significance, begin to be perceived as perfect, unique in their originality.

G. Malakov's extraordinary artistic memory affected his work. He could reproduce in detail in a drawing what he had seen only once, which always amazed his teachers. And what he observed as a teenager during the terrible years of the war became the richest material for works created decades later.

Having, in addition to a phenomenal memory, also an extraordinary power of observation, G. Malakov treated the world around him with special love and was created by man.

Artistic career

Malakov began his career in the 1950s, when his works began to be exhibited at various exhibitions in Ukraine and abroad. The artist Malakov's work encompassed both easel painting and book graphics. He created many illustrations for the works of V. Vladko, A. Berdnik, V. Nestaiko and other authors, filling children's books with vivid images. At the same time, Malakov actively collaborated with the magazines "Ukraine", "Start" and other publications.

Style and technique

The artist's style combines elements of realism and impressionism, which allows him to create picturesque and expressive images. Malakov worked in different genres and techniques, but linocuts brought him the greatest popularity. His works are distinguished by: a bright individuality, each work of Malakov is unique and recognizable, high skill - the artist mastered the technique of linocut to perfection, a breadth of creative imagination, his works cover a wide range of topics from historical events to everyday life.

Malakov's best works warm with their cheerfulness, charm with their good nature and make you smile with their humor.

Famous works

Among Malakov's most famous paintings, the following can be highlighted:

"In the evening" (1955)

This watercolor is one of the artist's most famous works, conveying an atmosphere of evening light and peace. It shows Malakov's mastery of color and light.

"Autumn Gold" (1957)

In this work, the artist captured the beauty of autumn nature, using bright, warm shades, which creates a feeling of coziness and harmony.

"House and Riga" (1954)

This watercolor reflects traditional Ukrainian architecture and everyday life, which makes it especially valuable from the point of view of cultural heritage.

"Water Tower in the Park" (1956)

A work in which the artist skillfully conveys details of urban architecture and nature, demonstrating his ability to combine elements of landscape and architecture.

"At the Boat" (1958)

This painting reflects the calm and tranquility inherent in water landscapes and shows Malakov’s love for nature.

"Delivery of Bread to the Nemirovsky Store" (1958)

This work is a striking example of genre painting, in which the artist captured the everyday life and work of people.

"Park Boundary" (1954)

Another watercolor in which Malakov shows the beauty of the park area using soft and harmonious colors.

Participation in exhibitions

Georgy Malakov actively participated in exhibitions both in Ukraine and abroad. His works were presented at such important events as:

Exhibition of Ukrainian art in Moscow (1967) – where he received recognition for his landscapes and portraits. International exhibition in Paris (1971) – where his works were highly appreciated by critics. In addition, he participated in numerous exhibitions in Kyiv, where his paintings attracted viewers and collectors.

Personal life and legacy

Georgiy Malakov lived and worked in Kyiv throughout his life. He was known as a man with a kind heart and an open soul, which was reflected in his work. His canvases still inspire new generations of artists and painters.

Malakov passed away on June 14, 1979, but his works, presented in museums in Ukraine, Russia, Bulgaria, are kept in private collections and large libraries. His contribution to Ukrainian art remains significant and his work continues to be studied and appreciated.

Interesting facts

Malakov was not only an artist, but also a teacher, teaching young artists at the Kiev Art Institute.

His works have been exhibited in several countries including Poland, Germany and France, demonstrating the international recognition of his talent.

In the last years of his life, he began experimenting with new techniques and materials, which led to the creation of a number of unique works.

Georgiy Vasilyevich Malakov remains one of the most prominent figures in Ukrainian art, and his works continue to inspire and delight viewers around the world.

Paintings by Georgy Malakov