Mihail Chemiakin
Fine Art and Lithographs For Sale
Mihail Chemiakin is a Russian painter best known for his Nonconformist, Surrealist, brilliantly colored compositions of figures, iconography, and space. Over the years, as I collected and worked closely with Chemiakin, I had the privilege of acquiring many exceptional pieces directly from the artist, either from his atelier or sent to me in exchange for work I did to help establish him in the United States. These remarkable works, acquired between 1976 and 1986, are now featured for sale here. I began collecting these original works with a deep appreciation for their significance, and now, offering them here feels like coming full circle. For the serious collector, this is more than just a rare opportunity; it’s a chance to connect with the historical context that shaped Mihail Chemiakin’s vision. His work, his legacy, is bold and thought-provoking. Mihail Chemiakin’s research considers the history of art from the point of view of the transformation of images. The basis of the research methodology is the interpretation and systematization of visual images
Mihail Chemiakin
Mihail Chemiakin, born in Moscow in 1943, faced adversity under Soviet rule, was expelled from the Repin Academy of Art for rejecting Socialist Realist norms, and was subjected to forced psychiatric treatment to silence dissent. Co-founding the St. Petersburg Group in 1967, he developed the philosophy of Metaphysical Synthesis, exploring religious iconography across cultures. Persecuted for his avant-garde approach, he was exiled from the USSR in 1971, eventually settling in New York City in 1981, where he gained international recognition.
Following the Soviet Union’s collapse, Chemiakin’s influence in Russia revived, marked by his first post-Communist exhibition in 1989 and several monumental commissions in St. Petersburg. His sculptures commemorate Peter the Great, political repression victims, and the city’s builders, with works also featured in London, New York, and France. His depiction of Peter the Great stands along the Thames in London, while his sculpture of Cybele graces SoHo, New York, and another Peter the Great is housed at Château de Vascoeuil in Normandy.
Chemiakin’s multidisciplinary approach, rooted in his Metaphysical Synthesis philosophy, spans painting, sculpture, theater, and more. His acclaimed 2001 reimagining of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker for the Mariinsky Theater highlights his broad creative scope. Holding five honorary doctorates, his works are in major collections worldwide, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the State Tretyakov Gallery, the São Paulo Museum of Art, and MoMA Paris. Chemiakin’s journey from Soviet exile to global acclaim cements his legacy as a visionary force in contemporary art.
My History With Chemiakin
I first discovered Mihail Chemiakin’s work around 1976 while working in Toronto. One day, while strolling through the city, I happened upon a gallery showcasing a few of his pieces. Though I was unfamiliar with his work at the time, I was immediately captivated by his bold vision and distinctive style. Something in his art resonated deeply within me, and I felt compelled to purchase my first original artwork. That experience ignited a newfound passion for collecting and a deeper appreciation for the complexities of art. Looking back, that moment was the beginning of a journey that would lead to a significant personal and professional relationship with one of the most influential artists of the Russian Avant-Garde movement.
Bibliography
The research begun in the 1960s into the art of all ages and peoples has developed into a collection of millions of images organized into technical, historical, and philosophical categories, which has earned the artist five Honorary Doctorates and is the basis for his Institute of the Philosophy and Psychology of Art. Chemiakin’s work is in the permanent collections of numerous museums, including the Metropolitan Museum (New York), the State Tretyakov Gallery (Moscow), the State Russian Museum (St. Petersburg), the São Paulo Museum of Art (Brazil), the Museum of Modern Art of the City of Paris, Yad Vashem, and the Tel Aviv Museum of Modern Art, as well as smaller museums throughout Russia and the United States.
