Looking for a Russian artist

In Art college decades ago (after a few pints at lunch and not listening to afternoon lectures) we were taught about a Russian Surrealist (?)artist who grew up in late 1800's/early 1900's poverty with an abusive father.

One painting I remember was a conker with the artist himself inside it as a boy, the thorns protruding inwards towards him, cowering.

Another was his abusive father breathing fire at him (also as a terrified boy).