(also known as Mikhail Shemyakin in some exhibition titles and references)

Mihail Mikhailovich Chemiakin (b. 1943, Moscow) is a Russian-French-American artist acclaimed for his work in painting, sculpture, stage design, and publishing. A key figure in the Soviet nonconformist art movement, Chemiakin is known for his deep exploration of metaphysical symbolism, grotesque imagery, and interdisciplinary research.

Early Life and Education (1943–1971)

Chemiakin was born into a military family and spent part of his childhood in East Germany before returning to the USSR in 1957 He studied at the Secondary Art School of the Repin Institute in Leningrad but was expelled for “aesthetic deviation.” Subjected to forced psychiatric treatment in the USSR, he nonetheless developed his artistic language and co-authored the “Metaphysical Synthesism” manifesto in 1967 In 1971, the Soviet authorities expelled him from the country for his nonconformist views.

Paris Period (1971–1981)

After settling in Paris, Chemiakin was supported by renowned gallerist Dina Vierny. During this period, he created pivotal series such as Carnivals of St. Petersburg and Ventre de Paris. He also co-organized the groundbreaking 1976 “Russian Non-Conformist Art” exhibition at the Palais des Congrès.

New York and American Period (1981–2000)

Chemiakin moved to New York in 1981, where his work was exhibited widely and entered major American collections. He collaborated with the Mariinsky Theatre on the scenography for The Nutcracker, among other opera and ballet productions.

Return to France and Current Work (2007–present)

Mihail Chemiakin, a prominent figure in the art world, has been residing in France since 2007, establishing himself as a significant contributor to the French cultural landscape. His residence in an 18th-century château in Normandy serves as both his home and creative studio, where he continues to develop his extensive project, the Imaginary Museum, a comprehensive visual archive exploring themes across art history. In 2023, the archive was digitized and published online: https://www.imaginaire.art/en.

Chemiakin's integration into French society is further evidenced by his recognition from the French government, having been awarded. Mihail Chemiakin received the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French Ministry of Culture in 1994, recognizing his significant contributions to the arts.

Established in 1957, the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres honors individuals who have distinguished themselves through their creations in the artistic or literary field or by the contribution they have made to the influence of arts and letters in France and throughout the world.

In a 2022 interview, Chemiakin reflected on his artistic philosophy:

“I see myself as an eternal student of nature and of those great masters who created fantastic worlds before me. Only a serious understanding of earlier masters can give artists wings.”

This perspective underscores his deep engagement with the artistic traditions that resonate within the French cultural milieu.

For European audiences, Chemiakin represents a bridge between Russian avant-garde movements and Western artistic discourse, embodying a unique fusion of cultural influences that continue to enrich the contemporary art scene in France and beyond.

The Mikhail Shemyakin Foundation

In Russia, Chemiakin founded the Mikhail Shemyakin Foundation in Saint Petersburg. The foundation supports cultural, educational, and artistic projects and maintains his legacy through exhibitions, symposia, and research.

Notable Public Sculptures

 Monument to Peter I, Saint Petersburg, Russia
 Children – Victims of Adult Vices, Moscow, Russia
 Memorial to the Victims of Political Repression, Saint Petersburg, Russia

Major Museum Exhibitions

1 “St. Petersburg 71” – Galerie Dina Vierny, Paris (1971)
Chemiakin’s debut solo exhibition in Paris, following his exile from the USSR.
2 “Russian Non-conformist Art” – Palais des Congrès, Paris (1976)
Co-organized by Chemiakin, this historic exhibition introduced Soviet underground artists to Western audiences.
3 “Mihail Chemiakin” – Museu de Arte de São Paulo, Brazil (1980)
A solo presentation highlighting his international reach.
4 “Chemiakin: New York – Moscow 1989” – Retrospective Exhibition (1989)
A career-spanning overview of his paintings, sculpture, and graphic work.
5 “Shemyakin. Vysotsky. Two Destinies” – Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts, Moscow (2011)
Explored the personal and artistic dialogue between Chemiakin and Russian singer-songwriter Vladimir Vysotsky.
6 “Sidewalks of Paris” – State Russian Museum, Saint Petersburg (2013)
A major museum survey of works created in Paris between the 1970s and 1990s.
7 “Metaphysical Workshop” – Moscow Museum of Modern Art (2018–2019)
Large-scale retrospective celebrating Chemiakin’s 75th anniversary.
8 “Smudged Image in Art” – Mikhail Shemyakin Center, Saint Petersburg (2022)
Part of his Imaginary Museum series, focusing on the role of blurred imagery in art history.
9 “The Imaginary Museum of Mikhail Shemyakin: Staircase in Art” – New Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow (2023)
A research-based exhibition analyzing the motif of the staircase in Western visual culture.
10 “Chemiakin’s Worlds” – The Museum of Russian Art, Minneapolis (March 15 – June 22, 2025)
The first solo exhibition of Chemiakin in Minnesota, curated from TMORA’s permanent collection.
TMORA Exhibition Link

Top Auction Sales of Mihail Chemiakin

1 Christie’s, London, 2006
Les Politiciens de la Révolution (1985–1992) — $34,000
2 Christie’s, London, 2007
Still Life with Lemons (1981) — $60,476
3 MacDougall’s, London, 2008
Carnival at St. Petersburg (1980–1984) — $60,000
4 Bonhams, London, 2019
Elf (1980) — $19,000