“Music Makers,” Igor Kononov (1931–2011), ca. 1970s, a signed and numbered 33 x 23 inch hand-pulled collagraph (edition 56/200), executed in richly textured mixed-media intaglio on paper.

“Music Makers” by Russian-American master printmaker Igor Kononov is a highly collectible, hand-pulled collagraph featuring Kononov’s signature surrealist, textural, and symbolic imagery. This rare limited edition print (56/200) showcases intricate engraving, layered collagraph textures, and vivid color harmonies, exemplifying Kononov’s celebrated technique and Soviet-era artistic voice. Ideal for collectors of surrealism, Eastern European printmaking, and 20th-century graphic arts, this museum-quality work stands as a prime example of Kononov’s imaginative narrative style and masterful craftsmanship.

Artwork Description

Medium & Technique:
This is an original collagraph—a technique in which the artist builds up a printing plate using textured materials, carving, and tooling to create raised surfaces. Kononov was known for meticulously hand-pulling his own plates to preserve fidelity to his conceptual vision. The plate here integrates intaglio, relief, and embossing to achieve layered patterns, rich fabric-like textures, and architectonic linework.

Style & Period:
The work reflects 1970s Eastern European surrealism mixed with narrative figuration, a hallmark of Kononov’s mature period after his artistic exile from the USSR. Bold outlines, whimsical symbolic forms, and theatrical characters echo the aesthetics of Soviet avant-garde book illustration and modernist European printmaking.

Imagery & Composition:
“Music Makers” presents a multi-figured composite character, constructed from whimsical shapes, musical motifs, patterned textiles, and fragmented facial features—suggesting a troupe of performers or musicians merging into one surreal stage entity. The background shows an angular architectural interior on one side and a night-lit village with bare winter trees on the other, symbolizing dual worlds of performance and mystery. Striped hats, keys, lace textures, and harlequin fabrics enrich the playful yet deeply psychological visual narrative.

Inspiration & Story:
Kononov frequently explored themes of creativity, identity, and storytelling. His figurative collagraphs often portray hybrid characters—part human, part puppet, part theatrical archetype. Coming from a lineage of Russian illustrators and having endured political displacement, Kononov infused his work with layered emotional symbolism: humor blended with introspection, festive imagery tinged with exile and nostalgia. “Music Makers” reflects his fascination with performers as metaphors for the human condition.

Signature & Edition:
Signed in graphite lower right, titled “Music Makers” at center, numbered 56/200 lower left.

Biography of IGOR KONONOV (1931–2011)

Igor Kononov was born in Moscow, Russia in 1931, emerging as a multi-disciplinary sculptor, painter, engraver, and printmaker. He first trained under the celebrated artist Kravchenko, then continued formal studies at the Moscow Art Institute, where he developed expertise in intaglio processes, architectural draftsmanship, and theatrical illustration.

Kononov married Natalya Prager, daughter of the renowned Russian painter Vladimir Prager, and became part of an influential artistic family. By the 1960s he was exhibiting throughout the Soviet Union and internationally, including Montreal, Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, receiving multiple honorary awards for book illustration, painting, and graphic arts.

His early work reflects the intellectual environment of post-war Moscow, deeply influenced by Russian Constructivism, Expressionism, folk art, and narrative surrealism. Political censorship and artistic restrictions led to increasing conflict with Soviet authorities, culminating in his loss of Soviet citizenship in 1975. Kononov emigrated to the United States with his family, living first in New York City before settling in New Jersey.

In America, Kononov’s etchings and collagraphs achieved wide commercial and critical success, featured in respected galleries such as:

• Hammer Gallery, New York

• Somerset Art Association, Bedminster

• Dow Jones & Co. (corporate collection)

• Raphael Gallery

• Winsor Gallery

• Jane Richards Gallery (exhibited alongside Salvador Dalí)

He exhibited at the 155th Annual Exhibition of the National Academy of Design, and multiple years at ARTEXPO New York. His work is now held in private collections worldwide.

Kononov personally pulled every print, refusing to outsource production—an important hallmark of his craftsmanship and authenticity. His visual language combines surrealism, theatrical fantasy, folklore, and symbolic storytelling rooted in both Russian childhood memories and the immigrant experience.

He continued working until his death in 2011.

Igor Kononov (1931–2011), “Music Makers,” collagraph, 33 x 23 in., signed, titled, and numbered 56/200. A richly textured, surrealist print featuring Kononov’s signature figurative collage imagery. Excellent condition. From the original lithograph/collagraph series of 200, hand-pulled by the artist.

CERTIFICATE OF VALUE & AUTHENTICATION
Artist: Igor Kononov (1931–2011)
Title: Music Makers
Date: ca. 1970s
Medium: Hand-pulled Collagraph
Dimensions: 33 x 23 inches (paper)
Edition: 56/200
Signature: Signed in graphite, lower right; titled center; numbered lower left
Authenticity: This work is an original collagraph by Igor Kononov, personally printed by the artist, verified by edition markings and characteristic plate embossment.
Provenance: Acquired in New York City; currently in the collection of Artfind Gallery, Washington, DC.
Condition: Excellent; strong color, crisp plate marks, no foxing or structural flaws.

Provenance Chain (Collector-Formatted)

1. Artist: Igor Kononov, Moscow → USA

2. First Owner: Private Collection, New York (acquired directly from gallery exhibition)

3. Subsequent Owner: Private Collection, New York City

4. Current Owner: Artfind Gallery, Washington, DC