
Painter, graphic artist
Tatyana Mavrina (Lebedeva) spent her childhood in Nizhny Novgorod. In 1921 she entered the Higher State Artistic and Technical Workshops (VKhUTEMAS). Mavrina studied under the guidance of R. R. Falk, N. V. Sinezubov, and G. B. Fedorov. In 1929 she finished her study course at the VKhUTEMAS. In the same year she became a member of the group Trinadtsat (“Thirteen”); took part in all exhibitions of the group.
In 1930s Mavrina created paintings, drawings, watercolors. Her manner of painting was close to French postimpressionism movement. In 1942 she painted her last painting with oil on canvas Dancing in club. After that Mavrina began new art life. She became interested in the Russian folk art. She collected icons, clay toys, trays and embroidery. Mavrina together with her husband N. V. Kuzmin had a big collection. Mavrina painted ancient trays and bottles. She developed her own recognizable Mavrina’s style: decorative manner based on folk primitive art.
In 1950s–1960s Mavrina traveled through Russian towns; she drew sketches for her future works. Her favorite motif was nature. She also was engaged in illustrations of children’s books. Mavrina’s illustrations always were cheerful, positive, in folk style.
In late 1980s Mavrina spent her time only at home. Despite diseases, she continued to paint views from her window, still lifes, flowers. Her late works had the same energy as early ones.
Works by Tatyana Mavrina are in many private and museum collections, including the State Tretyakov Gallery, the State Russian Museum, and Saratov Art Museum.