Depressive Hyperrealism in Semyon Faibisovich's Perestroika Paintings

Russian artist Semyon Faibisovich loudly declared himself in the perestroika years. He still remains one of the most respected painters in Russia. His paintings are a huge success in our country and abroad. Some of his works were exhibited at famous auctions for tens of thousands of dollars.

Faibisovich is one of the first hyperrealist artists in Russia, who gained worldwide fame. His talent is amazing. Looking at the works of Semyon Natanovich, it is difficult to immediately say whether it is a painting or an original retouched photograph.

The master's paintings are very different — among them there are both realistic works and frankly grotesque ones. Almost always Faibisovich's characters are in Moscow. The capital can be considered one of the most important sources of inspiration for the artist.

The heroes of Semyon Natanovich live the life of ordinary people. They jostle in queues, ride with sullen faces in transport, argue, rest, work. The artist's special style and choice of subjects make his paintings almost documentary. After all, no one can say that what Faibisovich splashed out on the canvas did not actually happen.

The artist's paintings are almost always devoid of bright colors — they are not the main thing in his work. Faibisovich shows the era, people and their faces, which reflected the vague and great time in which they lived. The melancholy and dullness of the perestroika years is a favorite theme of the master. It seems that he decided to preserve for posterity the atmosphere that they will most likely never feel.

Compare the artist's works with photographs of Russia in the late 80s and early 90s and you will see that he managed to accurately convey the spirit of the times.