Alexander Putov (1940 - 2008)

Alexander Putov was born on March 9, 1940, near Rostov in Russia and deceased on November 18, 2008 in France. He started drawing in 1962, making portraits and caricatures of the people he would meet. Although he had never drawn prior to this, he realized that he had discovered his destiny.

In 1963 Putov began studying architecture and received his diploma in 1969.However, he never practiced his profession. Instead, he met and became the disciple of Michael Schwartzmann, the great Russian painter, under whose tuition Putov perfected his technique.

In order to continue painting, Putov sought employment that might allow him greater freedom. He worked as a night watchman on the Arbat, a caretaker, and as an elevator operator.

As he was an avangard artist, he was not accepted into the Soviet Painters Society. During the time of the former U.S.S.R., this was the only legal means of exhibiting and selling art. In spite of this, however, and thanks to the help of friends, he was able to officially exhibit his drawings, oils and caricatures on two occasions in 1967 and in 1969. Putov also participated in exhibitions at the apartments of fellow art-lovers, a common practice among artists of the post-Stalinist era. He lived a carefree life which, however, did not always ensure his daily sustenance.

In 1973 Putov emigrated to Israel and settled in Haifa. There, he spent the last of his savings in an attempt to retrieve his artwork from Russia. Unfortunately, a number of his oils, sculptures and drawings remained in Moscow. Their fate is not known to this day. Since 1974 Putov has participated in solo and collective exhibitions in Israel and other countries.

Besides oil paintings and drawings, Putov was also interested in engraving and has, among other works, executed a series of 16 engravings illustrating the poems of Henri Volokhonsky.

In 1979 Carmel Art Gallery began exhibiting Putov's work in Canada. In 1986 Putov visited Paris for the first time and exhibited his works on two occasions. Soon afterwards, he moved to Paris and began to associate himself with "Art Cloche". From 1986 to 1995 Putov has also participated in the festivals and exhibitions of the Eric Monti Group and in the Eric Monti Gallery.

Putov's style is very eclectic. Nothing discouraged him and he worked with all the techniques available to him. He has, for example, executed 20 large frescoes in Israel, and in Paris, in a style resembling that of a child, he has produced bright and colourful statues meant to represent various people. Putov made use of moquettes, wood, cardboard, paper and quality canvas in his work. Putov also loved to illustrate books, especially works of poetry. He co-edited several books between 1988 and 2004.

Alexander Putov is currently associated with the Carmel Art Gallery of Ottawa.

Some Sample Artwork

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