Evgeny Nikolaevich Shirokov (1931 - 2017)

Evgeny Nikolaevich Shirokov

Evgeny Nikolaevich Shirokov (Russian: Евгений Николаевич Широков), born on March 28, 1931, in Kasli, USSR, and passing on December 31, 2017, in Perm, Russia, was a pivotal figure in Soviet and Russian art. Renowned as a portrait painter, he was celebrated for his contributions to Russian realist art during the latter half of the 20th century. Shirokov's dedication to art education, serving as a professor in the painting department at the Perm State Institute of Arts and Culture, underscores his impact beyond his own creative works​.

His work, deeply rooted in the "severe style" of Soviet painting, is characterized by its expressive portrayals of cultural figures and workers. This style was integral to the aesthetic and ideological shift during the Khrushchev Thaw, moving away from the officious art of earlier periods towards a focus on the individual and the quotidian. Shirokov's monumentalized portraits stand as testaments to the era's aspirations and its people, earning him a revered place among artists who sought to capture the essence of Soviet life​​.

One of Shirokov's most famous works, "Friends," portrays the touching bond between a boy and his dog, exemplifying his ability to capture deep emotional states and the nuances of human (and animal) relationships. This painting, which initially remained in his family's collection before being donated to the Perm Art Gallery, showcases Shirokov's skill in drawing attention to the subjects' interconnectedness and shared vulnerability. The work is celebrated not only for its artistic merit but also for its exploration of friendship's universal and enduring qualities​​.

Shirokov's art resides in over fifteen museums across Russia, including the prestigious State Tretyakov Gallery, and is held in high esteem in private collections worldwide. His legacy, marked by numerous awards such as the People's Artist of the RSFSR and the USSR, reflects the broad acknowledgment of his significant contribution to the art world. For art collectors and experts, Shirokov's oeuvre presents a rich tapestry of Soviet and Russian life, rendered with a realism that speaks to the human experience across boundaries​.

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