Yulia Biriukova facts for kids

Yulia Biriukova, "Portrait of J. E. H. MacDonald", 1930

Yulia Biriukova (1897-1972) was a talented Canadian painter. She was born in Russia and became famous for her amazing portraits. Yulia was also the sister of the well-known architect, Alexandra Biriukova.

Her Early Life

Yulia Biriukova was born in Russia in 1897. When she was older, she and her sister Alexandra had to leave Russia. They were refugees because of the Russian Revolution, a big change in the country's government.

The family first went to Hong Kong in 1920. Then, they moved to Rome in 1922. Finally, they settled in Canada in 1929, making Toronto their new home.

Becoming an Artist

When Yulia arrived in Toronto, she was already known as a "European artist." This meant she had a good reputation for her art from her time in Europe. Soon, people started asking her to paint their portraits.

Yulia and her sister quickly made friends in Toronto. They met members of a famous Canadian art group called the Group of Seven. Yulia even painted portraits of two of these artists: A. Y. Jackson (1882–1974) and J. E. H. MacDonald (1873–1932).

Where Yulia Studied

Yulia studied art at several important schools around the world:

• The Imperial Academy of Arts in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
• The Royal Academy of Arts in Rome, Italy.
• The Royal Academy of Arts in London, England.

Showing Her Work

Yulia Biriukova showed her paintings in many art exhibitions. She displayed her work at the Ontario Society of Artists annual shows in 1930, 1931, 1934, and 1936. She also exhibited at the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts annual shows in 1933 and 1937.

Yulia Biriukova passed away in 1972 in Toronto, Canada.