Yury Kugach was a Russian artist and one of the founding members of the "Sretensky Boulevard" group of painters. He was born in Moscow and studied at the Moscow State Art Institute, where he later taught. Kugach was known for his colourful landscapes, portraits, and still life paintings that were inspired by the traditional folk art of Russia. Kugach's paintings often depicted scenes of rural life, including traditional Russian villages and countryside landscapes. He was also known for his portraits of famous Russian figures, such as writers and artists. Kugach's style was heavily influenced by the Russian Impressionist movement, which emphasized the use of light and colour to convey emotion and atmosphere.
Kugach's work was widely exhibited in Russia and abroad, including at the State Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow and the Russian Museum in St. Petersburg. He received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the title of People's Artist of the RSFSR in 1987.