Chashnik (Chasnik) Ilya Grigoryevich (1902, Lyutsin, Vitebsk Governorate — 1929, Leningrad) — artist, graphic designer, designer. Born into a poor family, the youngest of 8 children. Shortly after his birth, the family moved to Vitebsk. At the age of 11, Ch. was forced to leave school and work in an optical workshop, 10–11 hours a day. In 1915, his older siblings found work, and Ch. was able to return to his studies, graduating from school in 1919. In 1917, he took painting lessons from Yu. Pen, a well-known Vitebsk artist; in 1918 — from M. Chagall; in 1919 — from L. Lissitzky. In 1920, enrolled at VKhUTEMAS (Higher State Artistic and Technical Studios) in Moscow. Returned to Vitebsk to study under K. Malevich, becoming one of his most active followers and his favourite pupil. In 1922, graduated from the Vitebsk Institute of Practical Arts. He was a member of the UNOVIS group (“Affirmers of New Art”), founded by K. Malevich in 1919 in Vitebsk. In 1921–22, participated in UNOVIS exhibitions in Moscow and Vitebsk; in exhibitions in Petrograd (1923); the International Exhibition of Decorative Arts in Paris (1925); and the Monza-Milan exhibition (1927). In 1922, following K. Malevich, moved to Petrograd. In 1922–24, worked at the Petrograd Porcelain Factory on designs for porcelain decoration; in 1925 — at the scientific department of the Decorative Institute. In 1924–26, staff member of the scientific department of the State Institute of Artistic Culture, headed by K. Malevich; there he received his diploma and the title of free artist and teacher at technical schools. In 1927–29, worked at the State Institute of Art History. Ch. created a distinctive variant of geometric non-objective art (Suprematism) and developed new forms in ceramics, advertising posters and architecture. Member of the Committee of Artistic Industry at the State Institute of Art History (1926–27). From 1927, headed the IZORAM studio (Graphic Art Studios of Working Youth). Ch.'s works are held in the State Tretyakov Gallery, the State Russian Museum, in many museums of Europe and the USA, and in private collections in Russia and other countries.

V. Shaldova

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