Russian refugee, Vlady Kibalchich Rusakov, was born in St. Petersburg, on June 15, 1920. He came to Mexico at age 21 with his father, writer Victor Serge. Before arriving in Mexico, the family was exiled from Russia, spent time in the labor camp, Gulag, as well as Belgium, France and the Dominican Republic. Vlady's mother became distressed with mental illness and was left behind. While in Europe, Vlady became interested in painting and began his studies there.
After moving to Mexico, Vlady was focused on his first exhibit, in 1945, with many to follow. Shortly thereafter he was married and continued to paint in his studio in Mexico City and then toward the end of his life, in Cuernavaca.
His painting was influenced by the muralist movement as well as Surrealism, but his work did not fall not those "categories". He did not agree with the Mexican nationalism expressed in much of the mural work of that period. While his work had minimalist elements, he never fully embraced abstraction. He was commissioned to paint several murals and monumental canvases on historical themes.
Vlady traveled to France for a grant to work in lithography, received a medal in Italy and then went to the US for a Guggenheim Fellowship in New York. He received many awards and titles in Mexico as well. His work has been exhibited all over the world. He is credited for being a leader and influence of the contemporary art movement in Mexico.
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