Gennady Zubkov is an artist based in Leningrad and a student of Vladimir V. Sterligov. Rustam Khalfin studied under the guidance of Gennady Zubkov according to the Sterligov system during his studies in Leningrad. In 1960, Zubkov graduated from the Department of Art and Graphics at the Leningrad Institute of Education named after A.I. Herzen, where he studied under the guidance of Vladimir V. Sterligov until 1970. In 1953, Zubkov met with the renowned Russian avant-garde artist Vladimir Sterligov and continued to study under him until 1983, marking a turning point in his life and career. In 1969, he discovered the new "torn space" plastic state and further developed this technique. In 1977, he concluded that "shape makes shape" based on surrounding geometry. From 1986 until his death in 2016, Zubkov trained younger artists and founded the experimental art research group FORM + THE COLOR in 1995, as well as the APRIL 17 Art Association in 1998. This association is a member of the Union of Artists in Russia, and the IFA Free Culture Association, and its members create a rainbow-colored universe based on contrast and interpenetration of different colorful worlds. Zubkov paints objects and forms with a special light and color texture, creating harmonious melodies that are characteristic of his work. Rather than depicting objects, his paintings are "ideas" or ideal images that are strongly recognizable. By crossing the line of sight, viewers enter the artist's private world and sacred space, which takes place in forest, mountain, monastery, sunlight, seashore, and more. In these spaces, light reflections freeze on the faces of people, and trees stretch out their almond-like branches toward the sky.

Zubkov's works are collected by art museums and galleries around the world. The Russian-Kazakh sculptor is famous for his unique style and vision, and he is one of the founding fathers of modern art in his country.