In the Light of Time: Show of Graphic Works by the Celebrated Master of Caricature Igor Smirnov in the Russian Academy of Arts

The Russian Academy of Arts presents an exhibition of graphic works by Igor Smirnov, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Arts, Member of the French Academy of Humour. A recognized master of caricature Igor Smirnov is well known both in Russia and many other countries.

Igor Smirnov has participated in over 250 exhibitions in Canada, the United States, Mexico, Brazil, Netherlands, Great Britain, Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Austria, Philippines, Japan, Cuba, etc.

Igor Smirnov was born in Moscow in 1944. His first caricature was published in the “Red Star” newspaper in 1971. Since then, thousands of his caricatures could be seen in the mass media throughout the world. The artist has been successfully working in the philosophical genre, which appeared in caricature in the 1ate 1960s – early 1970s and is distinguished by a grotesque, metaphor and, what is most significant, independent opinion of the authorities and society. In his caricatures Igor Smirnov does not impose his approaches to life and events, he just provides food for thoughts.

Igor Smirnov’s drawings are untitled, they have a generalized, philosophical meaning. The artist is not interested in a fact, as it is, he tries to analyze and reveal the roots of the phenomenon. To quote the artist himself, “as a doctor, a caricaturist diagnoses a disease, it is his professional duty. To treat such diseases is a responsibility of state and political figures”.

The aphorism, laconism and expressiveness of works by Igor Smirnov make them understandable without titles and comments to viewers worldwide. This is a reason of his success not only in Russia, but in many other countries. He is a holder of over 60 international prizes won at international caricature competitions and festivals of satire and humour.

Igor Smirnov is a member of the Russian Artists’ Union and the Union of Russian Journalists, an academician of the International Academy of Culture.

The artist is actively involved in easel and book graphic work. He has made illustrations for novels by O’Henry, M. Zoshenko, S. Mikhalkov and others. His favorite character is Don Xuijote who is represented at the exhibition by a series of
graphic sheets.  On display are also the artist’s lyric watercolor landscapes of Russia and France. “Is it possible to teach caricature? – I believe, it is not. Caricature is a calling” – says Igor Smirnov.






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