Mikhail G. Abakumov

Mikhail Georgievich Abakumov (1948-2010) was a People's Artist of Russia and one of the most celebrated landscape painters of his time, lauded by the Russian press as "the golden brush of Russia" and "a living classic". His artistic training was extensive; he studied at the Moscow Kalinin Higher Art and Industry College and the State Film Institute (VGIK) before completing his master work at the Soviet Academy of Art in 1983. Abakumov's artistic mission was to communicate "the beauty of God's world" through his paintings, a goal he pursued with immense skill and passion throughout his life.

Abakumov’s style is a "joyful sound of a life-affirming symphony of colors," a form of lyrical realism that finds profound beauty in the Russian land. This is masterfully demonstrated in the works from the Lazare Gallery collection. In his painting "Warm Evening," he captures the serene, poetic atmosphere of the countryside at dusk, showcasing his sophisticated understanding of light and mood. In another work, "May Fields," he uses a vibrant, high-keyed palette to convey the freshness and sense of renewal in the spring landscape. Both works are prime examples of his ability to transform a simple scene into a powerful emotional statement.

A recipient of the Gold Medal of the Russian Academy of the Arts and numerous other honors, Abakumov also achieved significant international acclaim. He had multiple solo exhibitions in major European capitals, including Rome, Naples, and Paris, confirming his global stature. For the collector, owning a painting by Mikhail Abakumov is to acquire a work by a modern master who was officially celebrated in his own lifetime. His paintings are technically brilliant, historically significant, and universally appealing works of art.