Larionov, Mikhail

Larionov, Mikhail (b Tiraspol [now in Moldova], 22 May [3 June] 1881; d Fontenay-aux-Roses, nr. Paris, 10 May 1964). Russian-French painter and designer, one of the leading figures in the development of modernism in Russia in the period before the First World War. His early work was influenced by Impressionism, but from 1908, together with Natalia Goncharova (his lifelong companion and collaborator), he developed a style known as Neo-Primitivism, in which he blended Fauvist colour with elements drawn from Russian folk art. Together they were involved in a series of avant-garde groups and exhibitions, notably the Knave of Diamonds group, founded in 1910, the Donkey's Tail exhibition in 1912, and the Target exhibition in 1913, at which Larionov launched Rayonism, a near abstract movement that was a counterpart to Italian Futurism. In May 1914 Larionov and Goncharova accompanied Diaghilev's Ballets Russes to Paris. They returned to Russia in July on the outbreak of the First World War, and Larionov served in the army and was wounded. After being invalided out, he and Goncharova left Russia permanently in 1915, moving first to Switzerland and then settling in Paris in 1919 (they became French citizens in 1938). In Paris he practically abandoned easel painting and concentrated on theatrical designing for the Ballets Russes. After Diaghilev's death in 1929 Larionov took up painting again, but he gradually sank into obscurity and his final years were marred by illness and poverty. His reputation was revived shortly before his death with retrospective exhibitions (jointly with Goncharova) in London (Arts Council, 1961) and Paris (Mus. d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris, 1963).