Feliks Petuvaş

Felix Petuvash was born in Adygea in 1948. His grandfather, his great-grandfather and his great-great-grandfather were jewelers and and gun makers, his mother was a seamstress. He used walls as canvases as a child and painted many pictures. When his father discovered the talent of his son, he guided him towards education in painting. That's how Felix started the Moscow Middle School of Art under Surikov State Art Institute. He continued his education in Moscow Higher Industrial Arts School.

"I was engaged in graphic works rather. Despite its complex technique, graphics seemed more interesting to me - zinc, brass, copper, iron. You needed to work in rough conditions. The acid-dipping process had serious impact on health. You really have to love all of these if you want to work in graphics or arts, to be precise.,” says Felix.

Petuvash turned back to Maykop after finishing his studies. His return marked significant changes in the art life of the republic. The Adygea Society of Painters was founded upon the initiative of Felix Petuvash in 1979. The foundation of the society enabled Adygea painters to work in better conditions and cooperate with their colleagues in Russia. Felix has created many works of art in forty years of his life in arts. One of his most interesting works is a graphic series entitled "Adygea Writers and Intellectuals of the 19th century." He has a patchwork series on Adygea mythology: "Thaşo" (Mother Goddess), "Zekotha" (Protector of Travelers and Warriors) "Amış" (Protector of Animals), "Psıhoguaşe" (River Fairy), "Pako" (God of Vice), "Seteney", "İkar", "Old Tower." Felix has created many works on the Nart Saga. He lived far away from home during his childhood and teenage years; hence got to know the heritage of his people as an adult and built upon his knowledge over time. He lays special emphasis on Sausruko, the central figure of the Nart Saga. Based on the Sausruko theme, he created a graphic series depicting human life from birth until death: "Dreamer", "Creator", "Runner, "Bearer of His Dream", "Viewer of the Peak", "Arriver", "Expecting" "Dying".