Maximilian Alexandrovich Kirienko-Voloshin (1877 - 1932) was one of the significant representatives of the epoch of symbolism in Russian culture and literature. As a poet, critic in literature and arts he became famous being published in the modern magazines of the beginning of the 20th century such as "Vesy" ('Libra'), "Zolotoye runo" ('The Golden Fleece'), "Apollon" , ect. At the same time he made the number of brilliant translations from French literature (poetry and prose).
At the years of the First World War and then of the revolution and the Civil War Voloshin showed himself as an author of poems with a deep, profound, historical and insightful observation and exploration of the tragic present, the same as a humanist, the writer and the philosopher with a unique gift of providence who appealed "in the days of revolutions to be a human, not a citizen", "in the disturbances of wars to realize the oneness. To be not a part, but all: not from one side, but from the both ones".
During the last years of his life he obtained the recognition and respect as a subtle water-colour painter also. Many of his art works belong now to the world museums and are kept in private collections in Russia and abroad.
Small village Koktebel (Southern-Eastern Crimea) – ‘The country of Blue Heights’ still keeps the memory of its singer Maximilian Voloshin. Every path, every stone, every blow of wind remind us about him – the ‘magician’ and the philosopher who sensed and gave the form – in word, in line and in colour – to the primal ethereal elements – ghost and spirits of universal fates ruling the ways of humans and history. His deep spiritual connection with Koktebel became physical also – forever. After his death he obtained the peace on the mountain that is called now ‘Voloshin’s’. Long narrow path leads to the top of it. But from this height the whole universe is seen – blue rocks, endless sea to and beyond the horizon, golden grass burned by the blinding sun, far shadowy trees and dry steppe …
- Land of loneliness,
- Earth of silence,
- Forebodings came true,
- Prophecies were realized,
- Over the blue scheme
- The distance stretched
- An inevitable anguish.
His “House of Poet” (a museum now) attracts people with various interests from different countries and cultures - the same intensively as it was in the beginning of the 20th century when the cordial host and keeper of this land Maximilian Voloshin was meeting his guests – poets, artists, actors, scientists – dreamers and wanderers – at his home giving them a shelter and involving them into the unique atmosphere of creative work and life.
