P. D. Bazhenov, I. K. Balakin, V. A. Belov – the artists-innovators in Russian lacquer crafts of the XX century

Abstract

The subject of this research is the analysis of works of the three prominent artists of various Russian manufacturing centers of lacquer miniatures of the XX century – P. D. Bazhenov (Palekh), I. K. Balakin (Mstyora), V. A. Belov (Kholuy). The goal of this article consists in the attempt to create a “comparative biography" of the artists of various lacquer crafts, as well as demonstrate fruitful work of the miniaturist-innovator in different fields of art that are not a part of the traditional folk art. Among the manifestations of such innovation, the author indicates that the listed miniature artists found themselves in other fields of fine art, such as easel paintings, stage performance, posters, caricatures. The application of biographical method of research allows focusing attention on experimentation and innovation as the key feature that unites all three masters of lacquer crafts: P. D. Bazhenov in Palekh (1930s), I. K. Balakin in Mstyora (1940s – 1950s), V. A. Belov in Kholuy (1960s – 1970s). The scientific novelty lies in studying the practices of implementation of peculiarities of the aforementioned types of art in the works of lacquer miniatures. The main conclusion consists in the fundamental provision on justification of the artistic pursuit by any artist of folk art, which was oppugned during the Soviet period of the history of Russian folk art.