Roman Semashkevich
/1900-1937/
Roman Semashkevich was a painter and graphic artist known for his contributions to the art movement of the 20th century. Born into a large family in Belarus, he showed artistic talent fr om a young age. Semashkevich pursued his passion by studying at the art school and later at the Vitebsk Art College, wh ere he focused on sculpture.
In the early 1930s, Semashkevich emerged as a prominent artist, becoming a member of the prestigious group "Thirteen" and exhibiting his works alongside fellow artists. His expressive and bold style garnered attention, and he gained recognition through both group and solo exhibitions. His artworks, ranging from portraits to landscapes and scenes of urban life, showcased his technical skill and distinctive use of color.
Traveling extensively throughout the country, Semashkevich drew inspiration from his surroundings, producing numerous sketches and oil paintings. He embraced a neo-primitive approach, characterized by naive perception and unconventional color choices. Sadly, Semashkevich's promising career was cut short when he was arrested in 1937. Accused of counterrevolutionary activities, he faced severe consequences. The following year, he was sentenced to death. The sentence was swiftly executed, marking the tragic end of a talented artist's life.
While many of Semashkevich's works were lost or remain unlocated, his artistic legacy endures. Some surviving pieces can be found in prestigious institutions such as the Tretyakov Gallery, the Russian Museum, the Chuvash Republican Art Museum, the State Art Museum of Minsk, the National Museum of Kyrgyzstan, etc.