Yuri Gorbachev was born in a rural village outside Novgorod, Russia. An early interest in sculpture led to his study of ceramics at Borovichi Ceramics Institute. He studied philosophy at Leningrad State University and painting and graphics at the Pedagogical Institute in Odessa.

From smaller animal sculptures in Gorbachev's first exhibition at the central House For Painters in Moscow, his works grew visually and thematically to the more complex ceramic panels displayed in subsequent shows across Russia. Gorbachev's art delighted audiences with its playfulness. As one art critic remarked, "One can plunge into the world of his creations as one would into childhood or a legend."

While still at the University, Gorbachev's ceramics were bought by several museums in Russia, and at the age of 27, he became a member of the Union of Artists of the USSR.

Although Gorbachev's work is rooted in the Russian Byzantine tradition, it departs from Russian mythology and folk tradition. Subjects from the circus and legends such as Petroushka figure in his paintings, as do scenes from rural life. However, many of his latest works have international mythological or theatrical themes and contain strong architectural elements. His style is enhanced by unusual techniques derived from his extensive experience in ceramics, allowing him to create beautiful textures and colorful canvases in oil and gold enamel.

For twenty years, Yuri Gorbachev was famous for his art throughout the Soviet Union. He was interviewed on Russian Central TV and featured in several news magazines and newspapers.

Since 1972, Gorbachev has become an internationally known artist. One-man shows in France, Czechoslovakia, and Finland first expanded his reputation beyond his homeland. Since 1987, his work has been exhibited in Barcelona and Girona, Spain; Genoa, Italy; London, Hong Kong, and the United States.