Olexandr Osmerkin

Self-portrait (http://www.rulex.ru/rpg/portraits/24/24066.htm)

Olexandr Osmerkin was born in Elisavetgrad, now Kirovograd. His life was very difficult, because he was a creative man. His paintings were very varied. The last years of his life were very hard. Osmerkin couldn't teach and organize his exhibitions because that was forbidden by Soviet authority. He was accused of formalism. But he continued to create his paintings.

When I started to work on my essay, I decided retell some Osmerkin's letters. I read them in the book "Osmerkin". I think that permits us to know better him.

16 October 1915 Orel
The main thing is that many military service, not trying, even a little, it creatively refract in itself. Find its volume, color, from all points of view. Otherwise it is impossible.

11 May 1922 Moskow
Landscape do not write because of the weather. Greens are unusual from rain. Color so pure and clear, just uncomfortable around spilled cold northern blue.

15-20 January 1933 St. Petersburg

And I'll write after that will decide, as a bird sing. Not written for a long time because of the light. St. Petersburg’s darkness.

"He went through us as Don Quixote in art." Olexandr Deyneka.