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Fine Art and Painting
GURYE ART
Colors Without Borders
A creative journey across borders, seeking the light of the universe.


Vladislav Guryev: Artistic Biography
The art of Vladislav Guryev, forged through thirty years of practice across three continents, is a

manifesto of true cosmopolitanism — a universal language of painting that merges Western Modernism with Eastern Mysticism. It creates a reality free from geographical borders and political contexts.
Milestones of the Creative Journey:
  • Germany and France: A period of conceptual exploration and collaboration with European galleries. During this time, the "Amazons" and "Vanishing East" series were created, exploring themes of inner freedom and romanticism.
  • The Middle East: Creation of monumental murals for La Royal and Four Seasons hotels, as well as official portraits for the Royal Family of Jordan. This experience brought a sense of scale and a profound understanding of Eastern aesthetics to the master's work.
  • Canada and Turkey: An exploration of new forms, including signature hexagonal canvases, and work with textures that redefine the perception of space.
Status and Recognition:
Member of the National Union of Artists of Ukraine, Member of the World Club of Odessans, and the international community of Rotary International.
Current Technique:
Today, the master works in his signature "Melt-technique" of oil painting. Through the tactile interaction of brush, palette knife, and the artist's own hands, the "Colors Without Borders" space is born — painting as meditation, free from all boundaries.
ONE PAINTING EXHIBITION
My latest work...
For four years now, my mornings have started here, on a high floor, overlooking the sea horizon. To me, the sea is
my main companion. For the last four years, I have seen the sun rise almost every morning. It is always different. I simply go out, look at the horizon, make a wish, and head to the canvas.
In this piece, I wanted to convey the actual feel of the morning air — thick and warm, where the sky and water almost merge. I work with a palette knife so that the paint remains alive and voluminous, something you can truly feel. Even in such a small size, I need to convey the scale of the sea to the horizon and that simple hope that each new morning brings us.
FORMATION: THE ODESSA SCHOOL AND MONUMENTALISM
(1985–1994)
Overview:
This stage laid the methodological foundation for Vladislav Guryev’s work. His training allowed him to
merge the traditions of South Russian Impressionism with the systematic approach of the academic school of monumental art.
Education and Method Development:
  • Grekov Odessa Art School: Mastery of the classical painting tradition. The southern light and maritime palette of Odessa became defining factors in forming the artist's unique vision of color.
  • Stroganov Moscow State Academy of Arts and Industry (Class of 1994): Specialization in Monumental Art. Working with stained glass, mosaics, and designing the light-and-color environment of interiors became the core of the artist’s professional method.
Creative Explorations and Key Works:
  • Monumental Art and Light: During this period, Vladislav Guryev designed original stained-glass systems. Light began to be treated not just as external illumination, but as an active participant in the composition—an experience that later transformed into the concept of "inner radiance" in his oil paintings.
  • Symbolism and Archetypes: In the late 80s and early 90s, Guryev’s work showed a growing interest in historical and mythological themes:
  • Egyptian Cycle: Works such as "ARCADE Nefertiti" (1989) and "The Light of Nefertiti" (1993) mark the transition from study-based painting to conceptual work with imagery.
  • Early Surrealist Explorations: Canvases like "LION'S DREAM" (1990) and "RAINBOW" (1989) capture the stage of forming the artist's personal mythology.
  • Plein Air Painting: Intensive work from nature in Crimea ("Crimea. A View of Alupka", 1991) and Odessa served as a school of coloristic mastery. These landscapes laid the groundwork for future marine series.
Significance of the Period:

By the mid-90s, Vladislav Guryev had established himself as a master monumentalist, proficient in a wide range of techniques—from classical oil painting to stained glass. It was this universalism that later allowed him to successfully execute large-scale international art projects.

THE GERMAN PERIOD: Beginning of the European Phase
(1994–1998)
This was a period of profound mastery in etching and a definitive entry into the international art scene. In these works, Vladislav Guryev achieves a
synthesis of academic precision and surrealism, ultimately forming his recognizable style and unique graphic aesthetic.
A turning point of this period was a meeting with the collector Hisham Hammad in Düsseldorf. Hisham Hammad was the first to recognize Guryev’s potential for the Middle Eastern and European markets, which later served as a springboard for the "Jordanian Period."
The Gallery Start: It was in Germany that the master’s commercial success began to take shape. His works started to find their place in private collections in Düsseldorf and Cologne. The German period was a golden age for Guryev’s graphics. The artist skillfully utilized the etching technique to create complex, multi-layered worlds.
Key Intellectual Symbols:
  1. "Consecration of the Pyramid": One of the central works of this period. A complex composition where the geometry of pyramids intersects with organic and sacred symbols.
  2. "The Golden Staircase": A philosophical exploration of the ascent and the structure of the universe.
  3. Graphic cycles (from the "Germany 26" archive):
  • "Guardian of the Secrets": A piece demonstrating a masterly command of line and stroke.
  • "Light and Shadow Balance": A search for equilibrium between light and darkness, which would later become the foundation for his experiments with luminescence on canvas.
The Significance of this Phase:
Germany gave Vladislav Guryev an understanding of European standards for exhibition and the intrinsic value of graphic art. This focus on etching allowed him to refine a discipline of form that became the essential framework for his future "fiery" paintings.
THE JORDANIAN PERIOD: Slavo Guryev.
(1998–2011 гг.)
This stage became a key milestone in Vladislav Guryev’s international career (Slavо Guryev). Over thirteen years of work in the Kingdom, the
artist's path was transformed from creating large-scale monumental projects to fulfilling official commissions for the ruling Hashemite dynasty and collaborating with the region's leading figures.
Government Projects and Institutional Recognition:
  • The Official Portrait: The creation of portraits for His Majesty King Abdullah II and Her Majesty Queen Rania. Working at the court firmly established the artist's status as a recognized master of the formal portrait genre in the Middle East.
  • Collaboration with the eminent architect of Amman, Marsel Yacobian (Sharqilion Architecture), led to the realization of unique high-profile projects. This period saw the creation of monumental murals and stained glass for the Royal Palace of Jordan, as well as the portrait of Mr. Taher al-Masri, the former Prime Minister of Jordan. Working on such prestigious commissions required both artistic mastery and a profound understanding of Middle Eastern cultural heritage.
  • National Museum (Amman): Participation in the artistic design of the museum's exposition. The artist's academic experience was realized through the creation of large-scale historical canvases and the development of decorative solutions for halls dedicated to national heritage.
Collaboration with Foundations and International Brands:
  • Darat al Funun Foundation: Work in the creative studio at the invitation of Suhy Shuman (Khalid Shuman Foundation). This experience allowed for the integration of the European school of painting into the contemporary context of Arab art.
  • The Four Seasons: The creation of a cycle of paintings for the hotel interiors in Amman, Syria. Dedicated to the seasons, this series became an example of the organic inclusion of contemporary painting into a premium-class architectural space.
Creative Evolution and Media Recognition:
During this period, the painting technique became more textured, and the palette was enriched with characteristic silver and gold hues.
  • Animalistic Series: Work on cycles dedicated to Arabian stallions (specifically, "The Golden Stallion" and "Legacy of the Desert"). These works entered major private collections across the region.
  • Media Presence: The artist's work and his influence on the regional art market were regularly featured in leading architectural and lifestyle publications, including Trendesign and Layalina. These publications highlighted the seamless integration of Guryev’s European school of painting into the luxury interiors of the Middle East.
CANADA: THE BIRTH OF ABSTRACTION AND "THE HONEYCOMBS"
(1999)
This was a period of profound stylistic transformation and the final consolidation of the artist’s signature method. The Canadian phase is defined by a
synthesis of expressive painting and geometric precision. It was a time when broad, dynamic brushstrokes first encountered the structural constraints of the hexagonal canvas. This approach defined Vladislav Guryev’s unique visual language, where emotional delivery is balanced by a clear compositional rhythm.
Institutional Environment:
  • "VanArt" Gallery (Montreal): Collaboration with Violetta Safarova. This marked the first large-scale presentation of abstract series to the Canadian public.
  • Algonquin College (Ottawa): An intensive English language course, which became an essential tool for further international expansion.
Creative Innovation:
  • Invention of "The Honeycombs" (Hexagonal Canvases): During this period, Vladislav Guryev first introduced the regular hexagon as the foundational composition for his paintings. For the artist, the "honeycomb" represents a "cosmic code" — a harmonious blend of organic life and mathematical order.
  • Synthesis of Styles: The fusion of raw expression with rigid geometric structures.
FRANCE: GALLERY CONTEXT AND NEW SERIES
(2005–2007)
The French period is defined by the artist’s expansion into the European art market and collaboration with one of the
world’s most prestigious gallery networks — Galeries Bartoux. At the personal invitation of the network’s founder, Robert Bartoux, Vladislav Guryev prepared a series of canvases for exhibitions in Paris and Honfleur (Galerie Dauphin).
Collaboration with Galeries Bartoux:
Working with the Bartoux family allowed the artist to present his painting within the context of contemporary European art. The venues in Honfleur and Paris became a platform for a dialogue between the classical European school and Guryev’s unique, expressive brushwork.
Key Series and Works of the Period:
  • "A Thousand and One Lights" Cycle: The central series of this period, dedicated to the exploration of light effects. By using a palette knife and multi-layered glazing, the artist succeeded in achieving deep textures and a sense of internal luminescence within the canvas.
  • "Amazons & Eastern Echoes" Series: Works in which the author continued to develop the theme of movement. Images of horsewomen and nomadic echoes became the foundation for a search for new, dynamic compositions and the transmission of pure energy through plastic form.
Significant Canvases:
  • "The Vanishing Mirage": A work focusing on glazing and transitional states of form.
  • "Dagger and Dawn": A composition built on the contrast of sharp lines and expressive color delivery.
Media and Criticism:
During this period, the artist’s work found its way into professional reviews in European art publications, where critics noted the original synthesis of Eastern themes and a modern, bold painting technique.
ISRAEL: LIGHT MAGIC AND TEXTURAL ENERGY
(2018)

The Israeli cycle became a period of "return to Mediterranean aesthetics" for Vladislav Guryev. At the center of the artist's attention is an
exploration of the "luminescence" of Old Jerusalem and the vibrant dynamics of the port of Jaffa. In these works, the monumentalism of ancient architecture merges with an expressive maritime style.
Key Directions of Inquiry:
  • The Architectural Code of Jaffa: A series of works dedicated to the ancient port. The artist utilizes a restrained palette of stones — shades of ochre and sand, contrasting with the saturated azure of the Mediterranean Sea.
  • The Light of Jerusalem: Work with a specific quality of illumination, which in the author's interpretation acquires an almost physical density. Here, light acts not as an external factor, but as a structural, form-building element of the composition.
Significant Series and Canvases:
1. Maritime Dynamics and Metaphors:
  • "Jaffa Regatta" and "Jaffa Port Palette": Series focused on the rhythm of sailing masts and the movement of the wind.
  • "Sea Foam Blue Gallop": An example of the author’s metaphorism, where the forms of sea foam are transformed into the outlines of galloping horses — a recurring image in the artist’s work.
2. Sacred Architecture:
  • "Light of Jerusalem": The central canvas of the period. The golden walls of the Old City are presented as an independent source of luminescence.
  • "Jaffa Citadel. Port of Time": An exploration of historical multi-layeredness through the geometry of fortress walls and towers.
3. Coloristic Expression:
  • "Life Energy. Red and White": A work demonstrating a transition from representational form to the pure energy of color.
  • "Bathing of the Blue Horse": A reimagining of a classical subject through the author’s signature blue palette and the bright lighting characteristic of the Middle Eastern region.
TURKEY: CONTEMPLATION AND THE METAPHYSICS OF LIGHT
(2010–2013)
The period of work in Istanbul and on the Princes' Islands was marked by a transition from a saturated palette to an
exploration of the subtle nuances of the light-and-air environment. This was a time of creative silence, where the primary object of study became the elusive state of the Bosphorus.
Professional Context and Location:
  • Collaboration: The artist's arrival in Turkey took place with the support of the diplomat Ali Köprülü, which facilitated the author's integration into the region's professional art community.
  • The Heybeliada Studio: The workplace was a creative studio on the island of Heybeliada. The panoramic view of the Sea of Marmara and Istanbul allowed the artist to concentrate on studying natural light, sea mists, and the liminal states of nature.
Artistic Inquiries and Series:
1. Light-Air Environment and "Bosphorus Mirage":
  • In the island workshop, Vladislav Guryev created a cycle of works where material objects seem to dissolve in space.
  • Light Projections: Female figures and images of ballerinas in the works of this period are devoid of rigid contours. They emerge through the morning haze, developing the author's concept of "inner luminescence."
  • Landscape Compositions: Views from the workshop balcony into the heart of Istanbul are treated as a fragile, fleeting vision.
2. Transformation of Imagery:
  • Animalism: The images of horses in the Turkish period lose their earthly weight, acquiring a more ethereal character. In works such as "Soul of Movement" and "White Sails Blue Energy," the dynamics of motion merge with a cool "Bosphorus" palette of silvery and turquoise tones.
Significance of the Phase:
The stay on Heybeliada was a time of "bleaching" the palette. It was here that the rejection of local color in favor of the nuance of the spot occurred, preparing the transition to future philosophical and abstract cycles.
DUBAI, SINGAPORE, AND THE GLOBAL ART MARKET (2013–2015)
This phase is marked by the expansion of exhibition geography and the entry into international auction standards. During this period, the
artist's work gained recognition in the major business hubs of the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
Auction Activity (Dubai, UAE):
A pivotal event that established the market value of the artist's work was participation in an auction in Dubai.
  • Significant Lot: The canvas "Breath of the Universe".
  • Result: The work was realized for $41,000.
  • Context: The presentation of the lot at this venue took place with the support of Mr. Ali Köprülü, which facilitated the artist's integration into the structure of the regional international art market.
Work in Southeast Asia (Singapore):
Parallel to projects in the Emirates, Vladislav Guryev began collaborating with galleries in Singapore.
  • Singapore Cycle: The works presented demonstrated a combination of academic school and philosophical concepts that resonated with the local audience.
  • Thematics: During this period, the emphasis on "energetic" images increased. Animalistic cycles (including "Al Abiyad," "Noble," and "Arabian Radiance") moved beyond the boundaries of the genre, becoming an exploration of dynamics and internal strength.
Key Works of the Period:
  • "Breath of the Universe": A programmed canvas for this stage. In it, the author explores the theme of space through multilayered textures and complex lighting effects.
  • Dynamics and Rhythm: The works "The Great Race" and "The Race of Time" reflect the artist's interest in conveying extreme speed and rhythm — themes that proved consonant with the energy of modern metropolises.
THE ODESSANS CLUB AND IYFR COMMANDER
(2014–2022 гг.)
The return to Ukraine was marked for Vladislav Guryev by a synthesis of artistic creativity and active social engagement. This period is defined by the
development of international humanitarian initiatives and the strengthening of the region's cultural ties.
Engagement in the International Rotary and IYFR Movement:
One of the significant pillars of Vladislav Guryev’s activity was his participation in the Rotary Club Nikolaev, where he served as President.
  • Formation of the Fleet: Vladislav Guryev was one of the founders and the first Commanders of the Black Sea Ukrainian Fleet within the IYFR (International Yachting Fellowship of Rotarians) structure.
  • Initiatives: Working within the maritime brotherhood focused on developing yachting culture in Ukraine, organizing regattas, and implementing social programs.
  • "Rotary Sails" Project: A series of artworks and charity auctions aimed at supporting fleet activities and the humanitarian projects of Rotary International.
World Club of Odessans (Cultural Context):
Since 2015, Vladislav Guryev has been a member of the World Club of Odessans. His membership, confirmed by the signature of the club's President, Mikhail Zhvanetsky, underscores the connection of the artist's work with the cultural traditions of Odessa.
  • Gift to the Club: The work "Seaside Bouquet" was presented as a gift to the club and to M. Zhvanetsky personally.
Artistic Vectors of the Period:
During this time, the master's painting is inextricably linked with his social role and the marine element.
  • Contemporary Marinism ("Fleet" Series): The creation of dynamic canvases dedicated to yachting culture. In these works, the author reveals the aesthetics of sailing sports, where the geometry of sails meets the living texture of the wave, reflecting the modern rhythm and energy of the sea.
+380 66 766 4413
vgurye@gmail.com
Odessa, Ukraine | Gurye Art Studio
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