Born and educated in Moscow, Ryklin, upon completion of his studies,
took a position with the Central Commercial Art Bureau as an illustrator and poster artist. His employment afforded little opportunity for creative expression, and Vladimir, fearful of censorship by Soviet officials, was limited in his artistic endeavors to that which he could keep private within his own home.
Ryklin had gained wide recognition as a poster artist, not only in his homeland but at exhibitions in France, Belgium and England; his awards included best poster honors in both Moscow and Bulgaria. The New York City Ballet, Dresden Opera and Vienna Opera had each commissioned works by Ryklin, yet in his own country he was denied the privilege of begin a free artist.
Ryklin draws on the traditional style of realism characteristic of the "old masters"- most notably 17th century avant garde artist such as Bosch and Brueghel- to create surrealistic compositions reminiscent
of Salvador Dali. Using warm tones and vivid primaries equally well, Vladimir reinforces symbolism with concrete images and the abstract nature of his ideology becomes evident.
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