Description of the attraction
Gogolev Kronid Alexandrovich is almost the only master in the whole of Russia in the field of relief woodcarving. He bears the proud title of People's Artist of Russia, Honored Worker of Art and Culture of Russia, and Laureate of the State Prize of Russia.
Paintings carved from wood are dedicated to Karelia, as well as the hometown of Sorvatala and the harsh nature of Ladoga. In addition, there are illustrations for the Karelian epic "Kalevala". Most of the works of the famous master are devoted to the life of the peoples of the northern village with the extraordinary beauty of life and the wisdom of the way of life, with the formed centuries-old traditions and daily affairs. The artist also carves household items, for example, watch frames, candlesticks, lamps and various fairy-tale characters.
Kronid Alexandrovich was born on July 13, 1926 in the Novgorod region in the family of a former clergyman. Translated from Greek Kronid means "Zeus". Already at the age of 16, the young boy went to the front, participating in the battles for the liberation of Estonia, East Prussia, Poland and the Leningrad region. The war ended for him in Germany. Kronid was wounded and even shell-shocked, for which he received many military awards.
In 1953, Gogolev was taken to the Leningrad art and graphic pedagogical school. Having acquired excellent pedagogical training at the school, he left for Karelia for work. For 4 years he worked in the village of Kestenga, but soon moved to the city of Sortavala. In addition to his main work, the renowned master taught lessons at the school and studio of amateur artists, and also studied at the correspondence department of the Leningrad Pedagogical Institute named after A. I. Herzen.
In September 1967, Kronid Gogolev organized a children's art school, which glorified the city of Sortavala, as well as its outstanding and talented director throughout the country. Possessing an excellent gift as a teacher, Kronid Alexandrovich taught at school for 20 years. As a talented original artist who intensively developed the traditions of folk art, they began to talk about Gogolev as early as 1984 after two of his exhibitions were held in Moscow. Many experts considered that at this moment there was truly a revival of the lost achievements of the Russian school of woodcarving, but at a new, more perfect level.
In 1985 Gogolev Kronid Alexandrovich became an honorary member of the Union of Artists of the USSR. From that moment on, all his works could be seen at thematic exhibitions not only in our country, but also abroad.
Each work created by the hands of a master has its own unique and unique features. All works are united by a special observation and reverent attitude to everything that is created by nature itself. Gogolev knows how to masterfully and skillfully use plastic, all the warmth of wood and texture, highlighting natural power from deep multi-layered reliefs of alder and linden. The largest number of paintings carved from wood by the hands of a master seem literally "voiced", in their themes one can hear the leisurely whisper of people and fairy-tale characters, as well as observe the peaceful lapping of waves, feel the unsurpassed aroma of a pine forest, and hear the sailing noise of the wind in the fishing boats.
The works amazingly convey the relationship between man and nature and close attention to every detail and little thing. Through his works, Gogolev reveals to the viewer the wonderful spiritual image of the northern peoples, a subtle perception of urban and rural life in the provinces. The skilful master of wooden architecture strives to convey his innermost feelings as widely as possible, creating multi-component, open, deep compositions that so clearly emphasize not only the depth, but also the importance of every second of human life.
Many people have a talent for knowing the world in their feelings, but few can recreate this perception in their work. Kronid Aleksandrovich Gogolev is one of those unique people, under whose hands pieces of wood literally come to life and sing, and this song is especially sincere and sincere, because it comes from the very heart.
