The father of the Moscow school of surrealism, the artist Viktor Krotov. Biography

The artist Viktor Alexandrovich Krotov, a prominent representative of unofficial art and the founder of the Moscow school of romantic surrealism, died at the age of 81. His creative path, filled with the search for his own expressive world, is described in the material of Izvestia.

Early years and education

Viktor Krotov was born in 1945 in the Moscow region. Already in his youth, he decided on his vocation and entered the Moscow Higher School of Art and Industry (formerly Stroganov), from which he graduated in 1971.

The creative path and the formation of style

Already during his studies, Krotov developed an original style, which he would later call "romantic surrealism." Unlike twentieth—century surrealism, which he considered cruel and grotesque, his painting, according to art critics, is a reflection of an "irrepressible" fantasy. His works are populated by bizarre, sometimes deformed images that interact in unexpected compositions. The artist was not afraid to mix incongruous shapes and contrasting colors, creating "witty nonsense, flavored with a bright naivete," which became his philosophy.

In 1976, Krotov became a member of the Moscow City Committee of Graphic Artists at 28 Malaya Gruzinskaya Street, a legendary place that brought together masters of unofficial, underground art. This period became an important milestone for him, allowing him to enter the circle of nonconformists and actively participate in apartment exhibitions from 1977 to 1980.

Recognition and works in museums

Krotov's work quickly found its way to the audience. His solo exhibition was held in Moscow in 2007, and then in 2012 in Voronezh, where 150 of his works were presented. Today, his paintings are in the collections of the State Tretyakov Gallery, as well as in museums and private collections around the world — from Russia to the USA, Canada, Germany, France and Italy. In total, he painted more than 300 paintings.

Recent years

Recently, the artist has lived and worked in Riga, Moscow and Paris, continuing to stay away from the capital's artistic fuss and not joining any associations except his beloved Malaya Gruzinskaya. Viktor Krotov died on April 15, 2026. He will forever remain in history as the creator of the "personal expressive world" and the founder of the Moscow school of surrealism.

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