Boris
Belooussovitch
Boris Belousovitch (1897-1987) is a leading figure in Russian art in the first half of the 20th century, whose life and work reflect the turmoil of his time. Born in Pinsk, in the Russian Empire, Belousovitch was initially destined for architecture, but the First World War and the Russian Revolution redefined his career. Enlisted in the Imperial Navy, he served as an officer and was evacuated in 1921 to Bizerte, Tunisia, with the Russian squadron.
In 1922, Belousovitch moved to Paris, a capital that was then vibrant with artistic effervescence. He trained in painting at the T.L. Sukhotina-Tolstoy Academy, and began his career selling fabric designs to prestigious houses such as Paul Poiret and Dior. This commercial experience influenced his first creations and quickly integrated him into the influential circles of Russian emigration.
During the thirties, he collaborated with other exiled Russian artists such as L.A. Ouspenski and G.I. Kroug in the Vita Bel studio, founded by his brother Victor. Specializing in the design of ceramics and scarves, Belooussovitch developed a unique aesthetic, marked by a fusion of Russian avant-garde and Parisian influences.
In addition to his activities as a designer, he devoted himself to painting, creating portraits, still lifes and landscapes. His pictorial work is characterized by a rich palette and an acute sensitivity to shapes and colors. During the Second World War, he continued to create despite the restrictions imposed by the Vichy regime on stateless artists.
After the war, Belooussovitch returned to the Parisian art scene. In 1946, he participated in the exhibition “In Honour of Victory” by the Union of Russian Patriots, and in 1947, a solo exhibition at the Michel Gallery highlighted his latest creations. He was also involved in theater sets and costumes, in particular for a production of Eugene Onegin in 1955.
From 1952, he exhibited regularly at the Salon des Independants, affirming his place in the Parisian art market. In 1958, his generous gesture of donating works for the restoration of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Paris testified to his commitment to his community of exiles.
Boris Belooussovitch died in 1987 and is buried in Sèvres, near Paris. Today, his works are sought after by collectors and museums, embodying a cultural bridge between Russia and France, and illustrating a time when art transcends borders and crises.
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