ethnological museum in Vienna, Austria hosts the first exhibition of works Kukryniksov , in which more than 90 works from the private collection of family Mamontovs. Name «Kukryniksy» comes from combining the names of three members to the artists: «Ku» of Kupriyanova (1903-1991 ), «Kry» of Porfirio N. Krylov (1902-1990), and «Nix» of Nicholas A. Sokolov (1903-2000). The first experiments of their joint creative work related to 1924, when young artists studied together in Moscow VHUTEMASe; commonwealth has proved so fruitful that lasted more than 60 years. Each of the artists was held, and as a creative personality, has gained considerable personal popularity, but they have received the most recognition because of their collective creativity. Union Kukryniksov, existed until the end of life of its participants, can be described as one of the most significant events in the history of Soviet art.

Kukryniksy were very popular in the USSR, and received many state awards. In particular, the team was awarded the Lenin Prize (1965), Stalin Prize (1942, 1947, 1949, 1950, 1951) and the USSR State Prize (1975). Kupriyanov, Krylov and Sokolov have been members of the Academy of Arts USSR, they were awarded the title of National Artist of the Soviet Union and Heroes of Socialist Labor. During the Soviet period, they felt primarily by the state socialist propaganda.

In our time, creativity Kukryniksov brought in a new light. In recent times, were particularly appreciated their artistic goals, topics to which they applied, the composition, which clearly went beyond the official doctrine of socialist realism, as well as liaison with the beautiful tradition of European art XVIII and XIX centuries. In his works, they reflect the dynamics and paradoxes of life of the XX century and raised difficult questions existentialist than earned the respect of critics and audience.

The exhibition, organized by Vienna's cultural and historical museum, divided into three parts, which represent different aspects of creativity Kukryniksov. The first section focuses on work performed prior to and during the Second World War, the main theme of which was the fight against fascism. The artists involved in the production of political campaign posters «Windows TASS», called for victory over the enemy, and angrily denounce the Nazis. In cartoons Kukryniksov constantly ridiculed Mussolini, Franco, and especially Hitler and his henchman - Göring, Himmler and Goebbels, which helps maintain the morale of Soviet troops and demoralize Wehrmacht troops, invading the Soviet Union in 1941.

The second part of the exhibition includes paintings and drawings Kukryniksov. The main emphasis is on creativity Nikolai Sokolov, who, like his two friends, was fond of graphic portraits and caricatures. The exhibition of his charcoal and pencil drawings, and watercolors and many paintings. Very interesting natural product of his war years.

One of the themes of the third part of the exhibition is the life of Soviet society in the 1930's in a permanent deficit and attempts to modernize. Cartoons Kukryniksov that period, the burning topic in a newspaper published in the «truth» and the satirical magazine «Crocodile». This section also presents the artists book illustrations of the greatest works of Russian literature. Among them are the works of such authors as M. Saltykov-Shchedrin ( «History of the City», «Lord Golovlevy», «Tales»), Nikolai Gogol ( «Dead Souls», «Portrait»), M . Bitter ( «Foma Gordeev», «Mother», «Life of Klim Founders Samgin»), Ilya Ilf and Yevgeny Petrov ( «12 chairs») and Chekhov ( «Lady with dog», «Man in the case»), as well as many others.

Artworks Kukryniksov stored in the largest museums of Russia and the former socialist republics, as well as in various collections in Western Europe.

Recently, interest in the phenomenon Kukryniksov alive. Through the exhibition opened in Vienna, the Austrian public can get on this creative union is a complete idea.

material produced Catherine Onuchin

Source: artdaily.com , artinvestment.ru