Youri Chasov
Youri Chasov, a highly decorated artist originally from Tallinn, Estonia, has made an indelible mark on the international art scene, particularly through his surrealistic and vividly expressive works. With over 4,600 paintings and 560 exhibitions across the USA and Europe, his prolific career is as impressive as it is diverse. Chasov’s pieces are found in collections across 18 countries, attesting to the global appeal of his artistic vision.
The artworks highlight his ability to blend fantastical elements with real-world landscapes, some inspired by Venice’s iconic scenery. In *Goldfish Venice*, Chasov overlays an enormous goldfish against a Venetian backdrop, transforming the scene into a surrealist reflection. The fish appears as both a creature and a dreamlike embodiment of Venice itself, merging natural forms with architectural silhouettes in warm, earthy tones that evoke a sense of nostalgia and wonder.
In *Venice Mask*, Chasov delves into abstraction while preserving the allure of Venice’s architecture, framing a picturesque canal view within the ornate design of a carnival mask. The composition plays with geometric patterns and overlays, emphasizing the intricate relationship between the physical and the metaphysical—Venice as both a city and a symbol, hidden behind layers of festivity and history.
*Venice Masquerade* combines Venice’s famous architecture with carnival imagery, set against undulating waves that suggest movement and mystery. The figure, adorned with a jester hat, emerges as if from the waters themselves, embodying the dualities of Venice: elegance and decay, serenity and turmoil. The subdued, pastel palette lends an ethereal quality to the piece, inviting viewers into an otherworldly version of Venice.
With multiple prestigious awards, including his recent placements at the 2024 American Art Awards and the World Art Awards, Chasov’s works continue to captivate audiences. His education at the Russian Academy of Art (Florence – Italy) and the Estonian Art Institute, combined with his influences from the Italian Renaissance and Russian avant-garde, enable him to create pieces that transcend traditional genre boundaries, merging surrealism, abstraction, and realism.
His work invites contemplation on themes of identity, history, and the collective memory embedded in places and objects, all brought to life with a technical mastery that speaks to his extensive formal training and intuitive creativity.
- 26/10/2024