Serge Poliakoff (1900-1969)
was a Russian-born French abstract painter, known for his vibrant color compositions and unique approach to form and space. Born in Moscow, Poliakoff fled Russia during the Russian Revolution and eventually settled in Paris in 1923.
Poliakoff initially pursued a career in music, studying at the Moscow Conservatory and later earning a living as a guitarist. However, his interest in art grew, and he enrolled in the Académie de la Grande Chaumière and Académie Colarossi in Paris, where he immersed himself in the avant-garde art scene.
Influenced by the works of Wassily Kandinsky and the principles of abstract art, Poliakoff began developing his distinctive style in the 1940s. His paintings are characterized by non-figurative compositions, using overlapping patches of color to create dynamic, harmonious, and rhythmical structures. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Poliakoff avoided strict geometric shapes, instead opting for organic forms that convey a sense of depth and movement.
Poliakoff's work gained significant recognition in the 1950s and 1960s. He exhibited widely across Europe, and his paintings were included in major exhibitions such as the Venice Biennale and documenta in Kassel. In 1962, he became a French citizen, solidifying his place in the French art community.
Some of Poliakoff's most celebrated works include "Composition en Rouge" (Composition in Red) and "Bleu Rouge Jaune" (Blue Red Yellow), which showcase his mastery of color and form. His art is noted for its meditative quality, inviting viewers to explore the interplay of shapes and hues.
Poliakoff's contribution to abstract art remains influential. His works are held in numerous prestigious collections, including the Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris, the Tate Gallery in London, and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York. He passed away on October 12, 1969, in Paris, leaving behind a legacy as one of the key figures in 20th-century abstract painting.