Surrealist Artist Vladimir Kush

A very happy Monday to you all! After several days of a much needed torrential downpour, Austin has once again warmed up to the gorgeous, sunny 70’s! (Right in time for the South by Southwest festival!). For those of you in the Austin area, I hope you are able to take a little time out of your day to enjoy the sunshine!

Today I’d like to introduce you to one of my favorite artists–Vladimir Kush. Although he’s not an “environmental artist,” much of his work is very much inspired by the natural environment.

Kush was born in Russia, near Sokolniki–a forested park in Moscow. He began to attend art school when he was seven years old and ten years later studied at the Moscow Higher Art and Craft School. A year later he was sent to military training. There, the unit commander decided to use Vladimir’s artistic abilities, asking that he paint propaganda posters. After his military service and graduation from the Institute of Fine Arts, Kush began painting portraits on the street to support his family. His works continued to gain popularity, so much so that his works began to be exhibited around the world (which led him to Los Angeles. Once in California, he began to earn money by drawing portraits on the Santa Monica Pier. Eventually, he was able to save up enough money to buy a plane ticket to Hawaii–which is where he now lives and continues to work as an artist.

A few years ago, I had the opportunity to visit his gallery while in Maui. It was one of those incredible, inspirational art experiences that will remain with me.

To read more about Vladimir Kush’s life and works, check out his website.

Here are a few of my favorite Kush paintings:

‘Til later..happy explorations!