Andrey Protasov
1957-2019
Was born in St.Petersburg, Russia on November 4, 1957
As a child he was a very versatile, he was involved in fencing, hockey, had a junior grade in chess, but most of all he loved to draw, when he was 11 he won the International Children’s Art Competition in Berlin and was awarded the Luis Corvalan Prize. The same year he enters the Johanson’s School of Arts, graduates from Imperial Academy of Fine Arts of St.Petersburg and forever associates his life with art.
Early works
1970-1990
In 1979 he enters the Repin’s Academy of Fine Arts and works in the studio of V. Vetrogonsky and M. Gerasimov. During his studies Protasov forms his own vivid pictorial language. To work on his diploma he travels to the Far East and lives on Sakhalin Island for a year. Thus a series of graphic works dedicated to the small peoples of the Far East appears, he receives a diploma and the title of artist.
In 1981, the only and beloved daughter Masha was born into a happy marriage.
In St. Petersburg, Andrey Protasov works in the publishing house “Aurora” as artist-illustrator, at the same time participating in art exhibitions in Russia and abroad.
In the 88th year he enters the Union of free artists of the gallery “Nevsky 20”. In ’90 he accepts an invitation to the Netherlands for creative work and participation in exhibitions, studies the art of Dutch masters, works in Amsterdam in the gallery of Russian art.
Performs a number of orders in monumental-decorative technique in the historic center of Amsterdam, travels extensively in Europe, lives and works in Germany
Birches and Rome
1990s-2010s
Finally, he receives an invitation to Italy to participate in a competition for monumental and decorative painting projects. He is in love with Rome for the first time, immediately and forever. He communicates and gets acquainted with the famous artists of Rome of the older generation Enio Calabria and Piero Dorazio. He studies the history of Renaissance art, makes copies of Renaissance originals.
And it is in Rome that he begins one of his main works – a series dedicated to Russia – “Birches”. In this series the eternal themes of being, movement and time, love for beautiful nature are revealed through symbols. The artist moves from the academic classic landscape to symbolism with elements of fantastic romanticism. This artistic technique in the series “Birches” reflects not only the historical stages of Russia, but also the mystical and religious aspect – a symbol of purification and renewal, the birth of a new life.
2001 – collaboration with Devon Cinematografica, the use of landscapes in a feature film.
2001 – 2004 teaches a course in portrait technique at the cultural association in “Cassiopea Arte”.
An in-depth study and reflection on the art and architectural history of ancient Rome leads to two new series on the same theme – The Great Rome (Festive Rome) and Eternal Rome (The Eternal Lights of Rome).
In the series of graphic improvisations the viewer can recognise the most memorable places of the city, the artist combines past and present, it is characterised by a sharp impulsive rhythm and colourful harmony….
Andrey himself said: “My creativity is more of a process than a result. It is endless. Any taken work, the master himself can continue, improve or vice versa, but he will hardly be satisfied with himself conclusively.”
Having lived a very interesting and eventful life in the most beautiful cities in the world, Andrey Protasov died suddenly in Rome at the age of 61, shortly before his 40th wedding anniversary.
“Andrey Protasov’s works are not only the artist’s self-expression, they are part of his life, his joy, his gratitude, his pursuit of eternal values and the love he seeks to share with his viewers and friends.” (Daughter Maria)
Works of the series “Birches” participate in solo and collective exhibitions throughout Italy. Some of them are…