A Brief Biography

Yuri Silikov, born in 1963 in the picturesque region of Crimea, is an acclaimed artist known for his evocative marine paintings. Despite a challenging childhood marked by the loss of his father at a young age, Yuri discovered his passion for painting during his military service in the early 1980s. This newfound love for art blossomed into a lifelong pursuit.

In the 1990s, Yuri moved to Kiev, where he balanced a successful career as a diplomat with his artistic endeavors. His diplomatic work took him to Greece, whose stunning landscapes deeply inspired his work.

Renowned for capturing the serene beauty of the sea, Yuri’s paintings reflect both his technical skill and his poetic vision.

The outbreak of war in Ukraine forced Yuri to leave his homeland, leading him to settle in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria. Here, amidst a city rich in history and artistic heritage, Yuri continues to create, his works resonating with the resilience and beauty that have defined his journey.

Yuri Silikov:

A Diverse Artistic Portfolio

Yuri Silikov is a versatile artist whose extensive portfolio spans a wide array of themes. His work captures the essence of nature, from serene landscapes and vibrant flowers to expressive portraits and captivating scenery. His marine paintings, inspired by the tranquil beauty of the sea, are particularly valued, reflecting his deep connection to water and its ever-changing moods.

Yuri’s landscapes evoke the picturesque beauty of his Crimean upbringing and the enchanting scenery of Greece, where he lived for many years. His portraits are intimate and expressive, revealing the depth of human emotion and character. His floral works burst with color and life.

Through his diverse themes, Yuri Silikov’s art invites viewers to explore the rich tapestry of life, capturing both the grandeur of nature and the subtleties of human expression. His ability to blend realism with a touch of fantasy ensures that each piece resonates with beauty, emotion, and a profound sense of wonder.

An Artistic Odyssey

My Journey

Yuri Silikov’s life is a vivid odyssey marked by profound experiences and a relentless pursuit of artistic expression, reflecting a journey that traverses diverse landscapes and emotional depths.

1963-1998

Discovery of Art in Unlikely Places

Early Life and Influences

Yuri Silikov was born in 1963, in the picturesque region of Crimea, where the azure skies kissed the cerulean waters, creating a natural masterpiece that would leave an indelible mark on his soul. The beauty of Crimea, with its rolling hills and shimmering coastline, became the backdrop of his childhood, painting his early years with hues of wonder and tranquility. However, life soon introduced shades of grey; at the tender age of ten, Yuri faced the profound loss of his father. This event cast a long shadow over his formative years, yet it also fostered a deep well of resilience and introspection within him. In the early 1980s, as the winds of duty called him to serve in the military, Yuri found solace in an unexpected companion: painting. Amidst the rigors and routines of military life, he discovered a profound passion for capturing the world around him on canvas. Each stroke of the brush became a meditation, a way to process the complexity of human experience and the transient beauty of the world. This period was not merely a discovery of art but a rediscovery of self, as he navigated the juxtaposition of the harshness of his environment with the softness of his artistic vision.

1998-2022

Greek Inspirations, And:

A New Chapter in Kiev

In the 1990s, Yuri relocated to Kiev, the vibrant capital of Ukraine, where ancient architecture met the pulse of modern life. This city, steeped in history and brimming with cultural dynamism, became a fertile ground for his burgeoning artistic endeavors. Yet, Yuri's path was not solely confined to the realm of art; he carved out a successful career as a diplomat. The world of diplomacy, with its intricate dance of politics and culture, enriched his perspective, imbuing his art with a sense of global consciousness and refined sensibility. Yuri's diplomatic journey led him to Greece, a land where the echoes of antiquity resonate through the marble ruins and the whispering olive groves. Greece, with its sun-drenched landscapes and mythological heritage, captivated Yuri’s heart. The Aegean Sea, with its ever-changing moods and mesmerizing beauty, became a central theme in his works. Each painting from this period is a homage to the serene beauty and the storied past of the Hellenic world, reflecting a deep reverence for the places that stirred his soul.

2022-2024

Today

The Odyssey of Migration and Renewal

The outbreak of war in Ukraine cast Yuri once again into the throes of upheaval, driving him from his beloved homeland. Yet, like the mythical heroes of old, Yuri embarked on an odyssey that would lead him to a place of renewal. He found refuge in Bulgaria, in the historic city of Veliko Tarnovo. This city, with its rich artistic heritage and vibrant cultural scene, provided a new sanctuary for his creativity. Here, amidst the echoes of history and the thriving artistic community, Yuri continues to paint, each piece a narrative of resilience, beauty, and the enduring spirit of an artist. Yuri Silikov’s life is a tapestry woven with threads of hardship and triumph, war and peace, loss and rediscovery. From the serene shores of Crimea to the ancient landscapes of Greece, from the bustling streets of Kiev to the historic heart of Veliko Tarnovo, his journey is a testament to the transformative power of art. In every painting, one can see the reflection of a life lived with depth, passion, and an unyielding commitment to capturing the fleeting beauty of the world. Through his art, Yuri Silikov invites us to embark on a voyage of our own, to explore the boundless seas of imagination and the intricate landscapes of the human spirit.

Cadiz, Castillo de San Sebastian

50 х 70, oil on canvas

Renowned Marine Artist

Over the years, Yuri Silikov became renowned for his marine scenery paintings.

His canvases, alive with the rhythm of the waves and the dance of light on water, invite viewers to lose themselves in the boundless horizons and the gentle embrace of the sea breeze.

His mastery in capturing the ephemeral qualities of water and sky has earned him a place among the distinguished artists of his time, each piece a testament to his technical prowess and his poetic vision.