Vasyl Kasiian

Vasyl Illich Kasiian (1896-1976) was an outstanding Ukrainian artist and graphic designer. He was born in the village of Mykulyntsi in Pokuttya, which was part of Austria-Hungary. Kasiian received his artistic education at the Prague Academy of Fine Arts, where he underwent realistic training under the guidance of Max Švabinský.

After completing his studies at the academy in 1927, Kasiian returned to Ukraine, where he actively engaged in artistic activities. In the 1930s, he worked in Kharkiv and took part in the establishment of the Ukrainian Polygraphic Institute. During this period, he created a series of sharp and critical works, depicting the labor heroism of workers and builders in the Donbas and Dnipro Hydroelectric Station.
His notable cycles of engravings, "Donbas" (1931) and "Dniprelistan" (1932), became symbols of strength and energy of that time. Kasiian's works gained recognition both within Ukraine and internationally. In 1934, his artworks were exhibited at the Venice Biennale, indicating his international prestige.

During World War II, Kasiian resided in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, where he continued his creative activities. He produced a series of works that reflected the beauty of Central Asia and the national flavor of those regions. After the war, Kasiian returned to Kyiv and became a professor and head of the department at the Kyiv Art Institute. He was the founder of the Ukrainian graphic school and had a significant influence on the development of graphic art in Ukraine.

Vasyl Kasiian's body of work comprises around 10,000 pieces, including engravings, etchings, and illustrations for classical literary works. His style is characterized by realism and the ability to convey tension and dynamism in his artworks. He depicted the lives and work of people from various professions, underscoring his interest in the social issues of the time.

Among Kasiian's most well-known works are the series of engravings "Donbas" and "Dniprelistan," which embody the heroism and strength of industrial workers in Ukraine. His works also portray the beauty of nature and the national identity of Central Asian countries, particularly the series of watercolors titled "Talgar Watercolors" and "People of Samarkand."

Vasyl Kasiian was recognized as an artist, and his works are exhibited in the National Art Museum and other museums in Ukraine, as well as in private collections. His creativity is distinguished by artistic mastery, social relevance, and expressive visual language. Vasyl Kasiian left an indelible mark on the development of Ukrainian art and became a prominent figure in Ukrainian graphic art.

Discover contemporary artworks by Vasyl Kasiian, browse recent artworks and buy online. Categories: ukrainian contemporary artists. Artistic domains: Drawing. Artist represented by Kobzar ART. Account type: Artist , member since 2023 (Country of origin Ukraine). Buy Vasyl Kasiian's latest works on Artmajeur: Discover great art by contemporary artist Vasyl Kasiian. Browse artworks, buy original art or high end prints.

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