Olga Potapova

Painter, graphic artist, teacher. Wife of Yevgeny Kropivnitsky, mother of Lev Kropivnitsky and Valentina Kropivnitskaya, mother-in-law of Oscar Rabin, grandmother of Alexander Rabin. Born in the family of Anany Potapov in Orlov in Vyatka Province (1892). Moved to Moscow (1917). After studying at the Shanyavsky University, worked as a theatrical and newspaper censor. Took up art after meeting Yevgeny Kropivnitsky (1920) and lived with him in Vologda, Glazov and Tyumen (1921). Moved with her family to Moscow (1923). Studied painting at the studios of Ilya Mashkov, Vasily Rozhdestvensky and Sergei Eiges. Graduated from teachers training college (1930s) and worked as a teacher (1934). Studied fine art at the Moscow City Department of National Education Pedagogical School (1936–38). Worked as a designer (1941–57). Gave herself up to art completely and took up abstract art after retiring (1957). Member of the Lianozovo group (from late 1940s) and the nonconformist movement. Died in Moscow (1971). Contributed to exhibitions (from 1959), including the Other Art exhibition (1991).