Anatoly Basin, born in 1936 in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg), grew up in a military family and pursued both technical and artistic education. He completed his studies at the Leningrad Radio-Technical School and later at the Architectural Department of the Leningrad State Institute of Engineering and Architecture, where he specialized as an engineer and architect. However, his passion for art led him to study painting with the renowned artist Osip Sidlin between 1956 and 1972, a mentorship that profoundly shaped his artistic development.

Basin’s work is deeply influenced by philosophical and mystical themes. His paintings often feature somber color schemes, using darkness to highlight forms and create depth. Female figures and still-life subjects frequently emerge from shadow, capturing not just physical likeness but also the artist’s inner reflections. This stylistic choice reflects his belief that art is not merely an imitation of reality but a mirror of consciousness.

Basin’s approach to art is introspective, often exploring existential and spiritual questions. He is known for quoting the line, “In another world, I won’t be asked why I wasn’t Moses, I’ll be asked why I wasn’t myself,” which underscores his commitment to authenticity and self-exploration in his work. Despite his introspective nature, Basin is also known for sharing his knowledge, both through teaching and through published texts, such as his book “My Genoscript” (1981) and other writings on non-conformist art in post-Stalinist Russia.

His career spans several decades, with solo exhibitions in cities like Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Berlin, and St. Petersburg, and participation in numerous group exhibitions across Russia, Europe, and the United States. Basin is also an active member of artistic associations, including the Union of Artists in both Russia and Jerusalem.