Ilya Shenker
New York resident Ilya Shenker,
left Russia over twenty years ago; however, Russia has never left the
artist’s mind. As a soldier in World War II, he survived where millions
perished. Upon returning to his home town of Odessa, felt abandoned
and alone. He studied Art and Architecture in Odessa, but, one of a
number of Russian Jewish artists allowed to emigrate, he left for America
when the opportunity arose.
He settled in New York City,
a choice that has forever impacted his oeuvre. Many of his pictures
depict New York cityscapes and lifestyle; however, they remain typically
Russian. His subject matter often comes from memory and includes the
life that he left behind, family, and friends. Drawing upon his Jewish
heritage for inspiration, Shenker also paints historical events, such
as "On the Eve of the Assault" in which he portrayed the last night
before the destruction of Jerusalem.
His use of imagination also
applies to the figures in his paintings—fictional characters such
as the Spanish literary character Don Quixote make appearances in his
work. He has also placed figures such as Rembrandt and Picasso
in modern settings: in "Rembrandt Visiting our Family," Shenker
sits his most favored artist at his family table, in a tribute to someone
he describes as a "peoples artist." On many levels, Shenker sees
himself as a people’s artist as well. In fact, he contributed to an
exhibition intended to commemorate the six-month anniversary of September
11th, 2001 in New York City.
Ilya Shenker has exhibited
works all over the World, and held numerous shows here in the United
States. He also has permanent works in several Russian museums. Now
85, it is clear that Shenker’s greatest tool is his imagination. This,
used in conjunction with his historical fascination, creates some truly
unique and memorable works.
Selected Exhibitions:
2004-present Grant Gallery, SOHO, NY
2000 Fondo del Sol Visual Arts Center and Museum, Washington, D.C.
INTART Museum of Upstate New York at Oneonta, NY
Pace University Gallery at Schimmel Center for the Arts, New York, NY
- B.H. Corner Gallery, London, England
1985 Musee de l’Athenee, Geneva, Switzerland
1983 Eduard Nakhamkin Fine Arts, New York
Hamilton Gallery, London, England
1982 - Musee de l'Athenee Geneva, Switzerland
1981 Eduard Nakhamkin Fine Arts,
New York
Gallery Graziussy, Venice, Italy
1980 Monaco Fine Art Galelry, Monte Carlo, France
1978 45th Salon des Surindependants, Musee de Luxemburg, Paris, France
Galeies Raymond Duncan, Paris, France
1977 Makhamkin Gallery, New York, NY
Art Gallery, New York University, New York, NY
The Rowe House Gallery, Washington, D.C.
1976 Banakh Gallery, New York, NY
The Rowe House Gallery, Washington, D.C.
Ligoa Duncan Gallery, New York, NY
1971 Alexandria, Egypt
1969 Group Exhibit in Hungary
