About the artist:

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 1986. 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