Raev, Semen Borisovich

Semen Borisovich Raev was a multi-faceted artist and a poster designer. Born in Moscow, Raev studied at the Moscow Regional Art Pedagogical School of Fine Arts of 1905 (a.k.a. Moscow Academic Art School) from 1949 to 1952. After graduation, he was professionally engaged in the field of sculpture, painting and the metallic arts. He also ventured into applied graphic design, and in that field he made his mark with the posters he created. From the early 1960s to the early 1990s, Raev designed posters for the publishing houses Zoria and Plakat (later named Panorama Publishers). The majority of his designs focused on international politics. A characteristic feature of Raev's work was his monochrome technique reminiscent of an engraver's strokes on a copper plate. Raev also worked with photocollage on various posters he designed. He also co-designed posters with the artist Evgenii Vladimirovich Abezgus.

Semen Raev participated in All-Union, SSR Republic and international exhibitions throughout his career. In 1977 and 1981, he was awarded bronze medals for his art at the Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy (VDNKh) in Moscow. He also won silver medals there in 1980 and 1985, and in 1983 he received the VDNKh gold medal award. Semen Borisovich Raev was a member of the Union of Artists of the USSR and the Union of Artists of Russia. He is buried in Vostriakovskoe Cemetery outside Moscow.