Vasily Kafanov
1952–
The art of Vasily Kafanov blends together the figurative and the abstract, with a strong emphasis on narrative and symbolism. His surrealist works of art tell a story that is sometimes clear, other times more enigmatic but will also reflect different themes from his life, from the scarcity of childhood to his cultural heritage, and made with materials and textures that open up fresh possibilities for discovery and reinvention.
Personal History
Born in Moscow, Russia in 1952, Vasily Kafanov was the son of writers. His parents, Ludmila and Alexei Kafanov, met at the Literature Institute in the post-war years, but sadly, that union didn’t last long. Instead, he was raised primarily by his grandmother who provided him with a classical education including piano lessons and regular attendance at the Moscow Conservatory. However, the young Kafanov’s interests gravitated more toward hanging out with hippies and experiencing life outside the conventional norms. His rebellious period led Kafanov to serve in the Soviet Armed Forces in the Far East, where, at the age of 18, he discovered his calling as an artist. It was the stark, isolated environment of the Kuril Islands that played a significant role in shaping his artistic vision, providing a contrast to the cultural richness of Moscow.
READ MORE +Vasily Kafanov’s early art was grounded in traditional oils on canvas, often exploring a wide range of subjects. It wasn’t until after his military service that he began his formal artistic education, studying arts at the Moscow Institute of Technology and in the 1980s. Kafanov’s art began to evolve by incorporating a large fish motif into his work. This shift was driven by the scarcity of materials in Russia, leading the artist to develop a unique technique of painting on blueprints using acrylics. Kafanov’s unique, unmistakable style further evolved after moving to the United States in 1990, where he experimented with various techniques and mediums, including ceramics and sculpture, while still retaining a focus on figurative painting.
Kafanov draws from his vast and varied life experience to create art and even though materials are no longer scarce, he continues to use what he has at hand, including blueprints—the signature aspect of his style still today. Each work of art begins with a detailed drawing using an ink pen, which allows him to create fine, precise lines and intricate layered details. The industrial lines and faded tones of blueprints add texture and depth to his work. He deftly blends the technical with the artistic, and at times, remnants of the original drawings show through, adding a layer of mystery and history to each work of Vasily Kafanov’s art.
Additionally, Kafanov experiments with different mediums—acrylics, ceramics, and found objects—to observe how they interact with and enhance each other. Acrylics are particularly important to his artwork because they allow him to build layers, create texture, and play with color. And color is central to Kafanov’s paintings. The artist is drawn to vibrant, bold hues that bring energy to the canvas, every bit as much as he is to the subtleties of muted tones, which can evoke a sense of nostalgia. The contrast between colors often plays a significant role in the narrative of each work of art, while the black ink used to trace the contours of figures and objects creates a cloisonné effect reminiscent of stained glass, where the outlines contain and separate vibrant colors.
The artistic style of Vasily Kafanov is a blend of surrealism and symbolism, heavily influenced by the artist’s exposure to Commedia dell’Arte and the works of Hieronymus Bosch and Pieter Bruegel. The use of fish as a central motif in his work is tied to a fascination with alchemy and transformation, themes that resonate throughout his illustrious career. The works of Marc Chagall also had a significant impact on Kafanov, especially in his earlier years. While his style has evolved over the decades, it remains rooted in these early influences, combined with a deep appreciation for the mysteries of the world, both seen and unseen.
When not painting, Kafanov loves traveling and exploring new cultures, with a particular fondness for visiting places rich in history and artistic heritage, and is passionate about collecting antiques and unusual objects.
Vasily Kafanov has exhibited his work internationally, in galleries and museums around the world, from Chicago to San Francisco, Moscow to Hong Kong, and throughout Europe. His paintings have found homes in the Zimmerli Museum at Rutgers University, the Beaulieu Museum in France, and the collections of many private collectors. In addition to works hanging in exhibits and galleries, Kafanov has been commissioned to create large-scale murals, including in the children’s ward of Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in New York City, and has participated in exhibits for the American Cancer Society and the Leukemia Foundation at Lincoln Center. Other highlights of his career include collaborating with Billy Corgan of the Smashing Pumpkins in 2000, to create the artwork for their album and tour Machina/The Machines of God, and with the band mewithoutyou.
To inquire about collecting the artwork of Vasily Kafanov, attend one of Park West’s online auction weekends or contact a sales associate at either sales@parkwestgallery.com or (866) 995-0904 ext. 4.
