Kashshai Anton Mikhailovich

An outstanding Ukrainian painter. People’s Artist of the USSR. Anton Kashshay was born on February 24, 1921 in the village of. Dubrynichi, Pecherinsky district in Transcarpathia in the family of a forester. In 1929 the family moved to Uzhhorod. The first teachers of painting A. Kashshaya while studying at the gymnasium in 1929-1939. were Joseph Bokshay and Adalbert Erdeli. Under the guidance of these well-known masters, thanks to great talent and hard work, the unique and unique creative face of the young artist was formed. After graduating from high school, Anton planned to continue his education in Budapest or America. But the war broke his plans and he could return to work only in 1945. After the formation of the Transcarpathian regional organization of the Union of Artists of the Ukrainian SSR, A. Kashshay becomes the first director of the Uzhhorod Creative and Production Studios of the USSR Art Fund. The first regional exhibition of the artist was held in 1947, and a few years later his works were exhibited in Kiev, Moscow, Riga, and other cities. In 1952, A. Kashshaya’s painting “Winter in the Carpathians” was acquired by the Tretyakov Gallery and entered the gold fund of the creative heritage. Soon the work of the artist began to collect famous museums, galleries and collectors. In 1961 AM Kashshaya was elected head of the Transcarpathian organization of the Union of Artists of Ukraine, which he headed for many years. During the 60-70-ies the artist made creative trips to Italy, Japan, Norway, where he brought a series of sketches and paintings written from life. Over time, the artist’s picturesque manner undergoes changes. He begins to write easily, at ease, his pictures are full of light. But the love of the landscapes depicting the native Carpathians remains unchanged. Fine painter painter continues to create until the end of his days. Kashkay died on December 30, 1991 in Uzhgorod. For outstanding achievements in the development of the Transcarpathian school of painting A. Kashshay in 1960 awarded the title of Honored Artist of the USSR, and in 1964 – the title of People’s Artist of the USSR. Today the pictures of the recognized master are decorated with museum expositions and the best private collections of painting.

Photo: А.М. Kashshai “Winter in the Carpathians” (1952), the State Tretyakov Gallery.

Photo: А.М. Kashshai “Pass” 1954

Photo: Kashshai A.M. “Winter”.

Photo: Anton Kashshai. Painting.