Valentin Kurdov

Painter, graphic artist, lithographer, poster designer, illustrator, writer. Studied at Perm Technical College of Art (1918–19), Perm Free Studios of Art (1921), jewellery department of Ekaterinburg Art and Practical Institute (1922–23) and under Alexei Karev, Kuzma Petrov-Vodkin, Mikhail Matiushin and Alexander Savinov at the VKhUTEIN/Leningrad Art and Technical Institute (1923–26). Worked under Kazimir Malevich at the Institute of Artistic Culture (1926–27) and studied drawing in Pavel Filonov’s studio. Illustrated books (from the late 1920s), winning medals at international book biennales. Founding member of the Leningrad branch of the Union of Artists (1932), working at its experimental lithographic studio (from 1939). Worked under Vladimir Lebedev at the department of children’s literature of the State Publishing House (1930s) and for Battle Pencil (1941–45). Wrote memoirs (after 1945). Contributed to exhibitions (from 1932). Honoured Artist of the RSFSR (1957), People’s Artist of the RSFSR (1976).