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The Galerie Brunstingerhof's catalog (2002)

Whether good or bad for an artist, it is impossible to catch Volodia Popov in a state of reflection. His lifestyle is one of constant movement. The artist was educated at both the Abramtsev Art Industrial Academy and at the Mukhina Leningrad Art Industrial Academy. These institutes, representing two very different approaches, provided the talented and able student with the ability to see an object from both the inside and outside, and in microcosm and macrocosm. These approaches further gave him the skill to see and to respond to the origin as well as to the many possibilities for the development of his graceful forms. Volodia Popov can not be considered European in his style: his creative style was formed by the Russian School of art based upon linear and rhythmic expressionism, silhouette, and local spots of color. Aside from his formal artistic education, Volodia Popov's work has undoubtedly been influenced by his interest in modern art and his direct acquaitance with the world art process, both of which have greatly contributed to his erudition. In 1990 only two years after completing his studies Popov took part in an international sculpture festival in Munster in Germany, where the work was awarded first prize. With equal enthusiasm he took part in the Four Expo festival in Bressuire in France in 1994 and 1995 and a festival in Moscow in Russia in 1991 at which his work was awarded second prize. This success and this timely acquaintance with foreign artists gave Popov a powerful stimulus for his own creative development. As it is said, "success breeds success" and from this time on, participation in international art exhibits has become an important part of his biography. Popov has also actively prepared many personal exhibits. This extremely mobile lifestyle and his life in Paris has undoubtedly influenced the artist's work and given him definite vectors from which his own style has been formed. Besides he can always disciver new subjects.