Illustration for M. Oliger’s work 'Zoia'

Viktor Ivanovych Kofanov was a Ukrainian artist, graphic artist, painter, member of the Union of Artists of Ukraine from 1992, and Honored Artist of Ukraine from 2016. Born on March 6, 1941 in Mariupol. He received his primary art education in a circle at the K. Marx Palace of Culture (teacher M. Yu. Ktitorov). He received his professional art education at the Saratov Art School (1964-1968), which he graduated with honors. His teachers were M. Prosiankin and V. Uspenskyi. After graduating from the school, Kofanov returned to the city of Zhdanov (now Mariupol) and worked in the Agitation Bureau of the Vazhmash plant. He participated in art exhibitions. Later, he was hired by local art and production workshops of the Art Fund of Ukraine. Kofanov made several creative trips (Baltic States, Uzbekistan, northern European Russia). At the initial stage, he worked more as a graphic artist. In recent years, he worked mainly as a painter. He was a participant of city, regional, all-Ukrainian, all-Union, and international art exhibitions since 1972. Among the works are watercolors, engravings, linocuts, and etchings. His paintings include "Svyatohirsk. Sunny October", "Spring", "Theatre Square. Mariupol", "Well and Lilac", "Summer Day", "Self-portrait", "Kalmius. Storm", and others. He died on June 8, 2021. His works were kept in the funds of the Mariupol Museum of Local Lore and in private collections in Ukraine and abroad.