Vladimir Stroozer was born in St.Petersburg, Russia. He graduated as one of the best students from the Academy of Fine Arts in St.Petersburg in 1979, with a master of Fine Arts and Architecture degree. While at school, Vladimir began exhibiting his talented work on a number of themes, which unfortunately came under the scrutiny of the Soviet Ministry of Culture. Deeming his work "political in nature", the Ministry tried to suppress him and his paintings.
Vladimir refused to accept their mandate that artwork must extol the virtues of the Socialist state and its leaders, and continued painting in his own style. As punishment, he was arrested and sentenced to hard labor camp, his work confiscated, and his studio sealed. His spirit undaunted, he continued sketching and painting while imprisoned with whatever meager supplies he could find.
By the end of the 1980's, perestroika had relaxed the strict policy regarding political prisoners, and Vladimir was released in April 1991. Joyously reunited with his wife in the United States soon afterwards, he was finally free to express himself. His inspired watercolor work has garnered much praise and recognition, and is exhibited in several New York and San Francisco galleries. He currently lives in Florida with his wife and daughter.
Biography taken from http://www.nevskagallery.com/featuredartists