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Question: Vladimir Kush Biography
Answer: The Metaphorical Journey
Vladimir Kush (b. 1965) is a Moscow-born visionary who redefined the surrealist tradition by coining his own movement: Metaphorical Realism. Educated at the Surikov Moscow Art Institute, Kush’s training was interrupted by two years of Soviet Army service, where he was assigned to paint murals and propaganda posters. After the fall of the Iron Curtain, he emigrated to the U.S. in 1990, eventually finding his "Promised Land" in Hawaii. His style differs from traditional Surrealism (like Dali’s) by avoiding distortion; instead, Kush uses "truthful" depictions of objects to create visual metaphors—ships with butterfly wings or houses that double as giant shirts. Since opening Kush Fine Art in Lahaina in 2001, he has built a global brand recognized for its intellectual depth and "life-affirming" themes of faith and love.
At Herndon Fine Art, we provide a vetted secondary market for Vladimir Kush. Our collection features Physical Inventory (identified as [In House]), Vetted Dealer Networks (identified as [Partner]), and Vetted Consignments (identified as [Consigned]). Because Kush's work relies on high-saturation colors and precise draughtsmanship, our vetting process ensures that Ltd Ed Giclees have not suffered from "ink-fade" and that his bronze sculptures retain their original patination. We stand behind every signature with our 40 years of experience and A+ BBB commitment. |
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Question: What is the difference between Surrealism and "Metaphorical Realism"?
Answer: Kush explicitly distinguishes his work from the "destructive forces" of abstract surrealism. While Dali often distorted objects (like melting clocks), Kush keeps the objects looking realistic but connects them in ways that act as a formula or equation for a concept. He believes "Imagination is more important than knowledge." At Herndon Fine Art, we use this technical distinction to help collectors understand the "formula" behind each Kush piece. |
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Question: Why is the "Butterfly" such a frequent symbol in his work?
Answer: To Kush, the butterfly symbolizes the soul, metamorphosis, and the "American Dream" of transformation. It appears in his iconic Departure of the Winged Ship and his Butterfly Apple sculptures. His market remains globally strong; while rare original oil paintings like Wind can retail for over $100,000, his hand-signed limited edition Giclees consistently realize between $1,500 and $12,000 in the 2025–2026 cycle. |
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Question: What is the "DNA Matrix" security on his work?
Answer: Kush was an early adopter of advanced security for his art. Many of his high-end editions and originals feature a counterfeit-proof DNA marker to verify authenticity. We verify these marks and the accompanying Certificates of Authenticity (COA) for every piece we list as [In House] or [Consigned] to ensure your investment is factually sound. |
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Question: Are his sculptures based on his paintings?
Answer: Yes. Most of his bronze-colored sculptures, like Walnut of Eden or Pros and Cons, are small-scale 3D translations of the metaphors found in his canvases. We identify these Bronze Editions in your database, ensuring they are the authorized releases from Kush Fine Art and not later "after" reproductions. |
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Question: Why did he paint military scenes early in his career?
Answer: While conscripted into the Soviet Army, Kush’s commander recognized his talent and had him paint patriotic murals. Kush famously "hid" fantastical elements in these military scenes—placing antennas on icebergs—to keep his imagination alive behind the Iron Curtain. These rare early insights are part of the provenance we provide for serious collectors. |
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Question: What is "Metaphorical Realism" vs. Surrealism?
Answer: Kush distinguishes himself from Dali by using "Metaphor"—connecting two unrelated things through a story (like a butterfly ship). Collectors look for the "Aha!" moment in the image. His "Iconic" metaphors (like Departure of the Winged Ship) are his highest-performing auction assets. |
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Question: How do "Original Oils" compare to his "Giclee" market?
Answer: Kush has a very active "Gallery" market for high-end giclees, but his original oils are the "Blue Chip" prizes, often selling for $50,000+. Collectors must verify the "Level" of a giclee (standard vs. hand-embellished) as the price difference can be thousands of dollars. |
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Question: Is his "Jewelry" and "Sculpture" line collectible?
Answer: Yes. Kush has successfully translated his metaphors into 3D bronze and jewelry. These pieces are often produced in editions that mirror his paintings. For collectors, owning the "Painting/Sculpture" pair for a specific metaphor (like the Red Purse) is the ultimate goal. |
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Question: Why should I consult with Herndon Fine Art for a Kush purchase?
Answer: Kush’s brand is highly commercialized, which can lead to "marketing smoke" regarding edition sizes and retail vs. secondary values. We use our 40 years of experience to provide the "real-world" auction and gallery facts, ensuring you are buying the right edition (Paper vs. Canvas vs. Dye Sublimation) at a vetted price. |
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1. EVERY piece of art receives my personal verification of condition and authentication.
2. I WILL NOT ship artwork that isn't in a condition I would accept into my own collection.
3. An A+ Rating from the Better Business Bureau
***** ALL PRICES are set by each Seller based on their Unique Motivation to Sell ***** We have a low commission structure of only
25% above each Seller's asking price or a $minimum commission. This allows us to provide buyers with the best price, sellers a better opportunity to sell, and still keep the lights on. In almost all cases, artwork is shipped unframed (UNLESS The ARTWORK IS ON CANVAS or 3-DIMENSIONAL), as I need to personally verify the artworks' authenticity and condition. Artwork that is shipped Framed is shipped framed to protect the work during shipping. Framing is considered USED
NOTE: Inventory is continuously changing so view your favorite artists pages often. For information on having your inventory added to our Website, contact us at the address below.
Click on the Link below and Join us as a Friend for ongoing featured information
Every client has different motivations for selling and as such we don't offer pricing on the pieces clients sell
If you are looking for the value of your limited edition artwork -- we have a $50 charge for certificates of value if you provide the title, the number of your piece, and an image of your artwork. Original one-of-a-kind pieces require a formal appraisal. Please see our Appraisal Services page.
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