Menu
FREE ART CONSULTATION
PreviewPreview Buy Painting Buy PaintingBuy Image Buy Image SendSend
DetailsDetails Add to favorites Add to favorites DownloadDownload SimilarsSimilars X-RayX-Ray DiaporamaDiaporama

Thwip

Alexander Kosolapov (b. 1943) is a Russian-American sculptor & painter known for his Sots Art, Pop Art, and satirical mixed media works exploring Soviet symbolism, consumerism, and cultural clashes. Featured in major museums like MoMA & Guggenheim.

Giclée / Art Print

Museum-quality giclée or canvas print with fast production and flexible finish options.

Standard
custom
CM
INCH

Pick from our preset sizes that match the artwork's original proportions.

width
height

You may enter your own dimensions to fit a specific frame or space. If your selected size does not match the original image's proportions, we will either crop the artwork or extend the image with a mirrored or solid-fill edge. A digital mockup will be sent for your approval before production begins.
Please note that the on-screen preview does not reflect the actual cropping or extension. Only the mockup will accurately show the final composition.
While custom sizes are available, we recommend selecting a dimension from the predefined list to preserve the original proportions.

Worldwide Delivery () in 2 weeks instead of standard 4/5 weeks. (26 July)

why_choose_icon
Free Worldwide Express Shipping
why_choose_icon
High-Quality Linen Canvas
why_choose_icon
Full Shipping Insurance
why_choose_icon
Customs Tax Refund Guarantee
why_choose_icon
True Color Matching Guarantee
why_choose_icon
60-Day Return Policy (Defects Only)
why_choose_icon
100% Money-Back Guarantee
why_choose_icon
Bulk Discount Offer

Total Price

-

reproduction

Thwip

Giclée / Art Print

Reproduction Size

-

Total Price

-


Artist Biography

Alexander Kosolapov: A Sculptor's Critique of Soviet Legacy

Alexander Kosolapov (born January 1, 1943, in Moscow, Russia) stands as a singular figure within the landscape of Soviet and post-Soviet art. His artistic journey began amidst the intellectual ferment of the late 1950s at the Surikov Moscow Art Institute, where he honed his skills alongside luminaries like Leonid Sokov and Alexander Yulikov—a formative experience that instilled in him a deep understanding of both artistic tradition and critical engagement with societal narratives. This early influence would prove pivotal in shaping his distinctive approach to sculpture and painting. Following graduation, Kosolapov emigrated to the United States in 1975, marking a significant turning point not only geographically but also conceptually. He established himself in New York City, immersing himself in the vibrant artistic milieu of the era and actively participating in clandestine efforts to disseminate unofficial Soviet art publications like *A-Ya*, spearheaded by fellow Russian emigré Igor Chelkovski. This involvement underscored his commitment to challenging official dogma and fostering dialogue about cultural identity within the diaspora. Kosolapov’s artistic style is characterized by a potent blend of Sots Art, Pop Art, and satirical mixed media techniques—a stylistic fusion that reflects his profound preoccupation with Soviet symbolism and its enduring impact on contemporary culture. He deftly utilizes imagery drawn from propaganda posters and official iconography, juxtaposing them with elements of consumerism and popular culture to generate unsettling critiques of the Soviet system’s contradictions. His sculptures often explore themes of alienation and fragmentation, mirroring the anxieties experienced during the Cold War period. Notable works include “The Marlboro Man,” a striking Pop Art portrait that confronts viewers with the pervasive influence of American advertising within the Soviet context—a deliberate provocation designed to expose the ideological fissures dividing East and West. Similarly, "Gorby," a sculpture depicting Mikhail Gorbachev, captures a moment of historical significance, embodying the complexities of reformist leadership amidst political pressures. “Thwip,” another sculptural piece, delves into themes of identity and cultural heritage. Kosolapov’s artistic achievements have garnered recognition from prestigious institutions such as MoMA and Guggenheim Museums, cementing his place as an important voice in contemporary art history. His work continues to provoke contemplation on the legacies of Soviet ideology and its continuing relevance in shaping our understanding of global culture—a testament to his enduring commitment to artistic innovation and intellectual rigor.
Alexander Kosolapov

Alexander Kosolapov

1943 - , Russia

Quick Facts

  • Artistic Movement Or Style: Sots Art, Pop Art, Mixed media
  • Date Of Birth: January 1, 1943
  • Full Name: Alexander Kosolapov
  • Nationality: Russian-American
  • Notable Artworks:
    • The Marlboro Man
    • Gorby
    • Thwip
  • Place Of Birth: Moscow, Russia
Explore artworks organized by themes, styles, and characteristics.