Page 58 - Reader's House magazine

Vladimir Kush, founder of Metaphorical Realism, blends imagination and realism to create art that celebrates life, nature, and metaphor, inspiring audiences worldwide with his unique and positive vision of surrealism. Vladimir Kush Redefines Surrealism with Metaphorical Realism, Blending Imagination and Nature in a Visionary Artistic Journey The Birth of a testament to his relentless pursuit of his vision. The 1990s were a formative period for Kush, marked by relentless effort and the search for his Metaphorical Realism unique style. By 1998, his hard work bore fruit, and he emerged as the founder of Metaphorical Rea- lism. Iconic works like Wind, Fauna in La Mancha, Bound for Distant Shores, and Music of the Woods became defining examples of his method, laying the foundation for his artistic legacy. Kush’s creativity extends beyond painting. He has ventured into sculpture, jewelry, and even interactive apps for children, translating his artistic concepts across various mediums. “Sculptures and jewelry allow me to add another dimension to my Vladimir Kush is a renowned con- ideas,” he explains. This versatility demonstrates temporary artist and the founder of the universality of metaphor, proving that it can “Metaphorical Realism,” a unique exist not only in words and paintings but also in three-dimensional forms. artistic style that blends realism with metaphorical imagination. His works, displayed While Kush cites Salvador Dali as an influen- in galleries worldwide and in his own “Kush Fine Art” galleries, invite viewers to explore hidden connections between seemingly unrelated ele- ments, offering a fresh perspective on the world. Kush describes Metaphorical Realism as the art of discovering hidden likenesses between objects and connecting them in unexpected yet harmonious ways. Unlike traditional surrealism, which often distorts reality, his style emphasizes the internal similarities between realistic objects, creating a romantic and imaginative view of the world. For Kush, the goal is to reflect life through metaphor, finding parallels for every aspect of existence. Metaphor, for Kush, is more than a linguistic tool—it is a way of understanding and communi- cating. Through metaphor, he stimulates the sub- conscious, awakening the viewer’s imagination. He likens this process to Plato’s concept of the “cave,” where human souls retain core ideas of the world. ART & MEDIA D R A F T ce, his artistic journey was shaped by a diverse range of inspirations. His father, despite being a mathematician, was his first teacher, nurturing his love for art from an early age. Kush’s artistic evolution began with Renaissance art, transitioned through Impressionism, and eventually found its voice in Surrealism. However, it was the French artist Claude Verlinde who had the greatest impact on his work. Kush’s approach to Surrealism diverges from the darker tones of Dali’s era, which were shaped by war and crisis. Instead, Kush introduces a fresh, positive perspective, harmonizing his art with nature and celebrating the beauty of the world. “For the first time in art history, I have introduced a positive side of Surrealism,” he says, highlighting the originality of his vision. Kush’s art has been showcased in prestigious galleries and exhibitions worldwide, from South Kush’s art serves as a catalyst for this subconscious Korea to Russia and the United States. Despite his recollection, allowing viewers to see the familiar in international acclaim, Kush believes that inspiration a new light. “Imagination is more important than comes from within. “If there is inner emptiness, knowledge,” he emphasizes, as imagination creates the whole world cannot fill it,” he asserts. His art connections between seemingly unrelated elements. transcends cultural boundaries, inviting viewers Kush’s journey from a struggling artist to an from all walks of life to see the world through the internationally acclaimed visionary is a story of mirror of metaphor. perseverance. Growing up in Moscow, he was Vladimir Kush’s contributions to contemporary deeply influenced by classical art, literature, and the art are profound and enduring. As the pioneer of cultural values of his family. His father, a mathema- Metaphorical Realism, he has redefined the way we tician and poet, played a pivotal role in shaping his perceive and connect with the world. His art, rich in artistic sensibilities. In 1990, Kush made the bold imagination and cultural depth, serves as a bridge decision to stay in the United States, embarking between the material and the metaphorical, the real on a challenging path of self-discovery. From and the surreal. Through his paintings, sculptures, drawing portraits on the beaches of Santa Monica and other creative endeavors, Kush continues to to establishing his own galleries, Kush’s journey is inspire audiences worldwide, reminding us of the beauty and interconnectedness of life. Vladimir Kush is a masterful artist whose visionary works redefine surrealism, inspiring awe with their depth, imagination, and beauty. “ Imagination is more important than knowledge.” Vladimir Kush 58 II Reader’s House