About the artist:

Shlomo Alter was born in Romania to a family of restaurateurs. Hs natural artistic gifts were apparent at an early age. He immigrated to Israel in 1948 and during high school he started to study painting under the well-known artist Aaron Avni. Some of his early works appeared in UNICEF’S world touring exhibition of young artists. In 1959 he left the army as a lieutenant, got married and embarked upon a successful career in computers. During this period the world famous painter Marcel Janco sporadically guided him in his painting. He also had the unique opportunity many times to visit the art capitals of Europe. In 1975 he left the computer industry in order to dedicate himself entirely to his art. Altar’s works are influenced by his early recollections of the well-dressed people who gathered in the courtyard of his parent’s restaurant in Bucharest to eat and drink, to dance of Gypsy bands, and to enjoy the convivial atmosphere. With a touch of optimism and good humor Altar’s art reflects life at its core, an antithesis to the Nazi regime that shattered his childhood happiness. His paintings are like stage set on which the objects relate to each other through a glow of colors and lines – a frozen moment in time, a dynamic stillness prior to a burst of action. His style can best be compared to that of the Expressionists. He uses color to give direct expression to his ideas in influence by the famous, particularly Matisse and Duty. Alter is a versatile artist who works in many media including ink drawings, gouaches, watercolors, oils, silk screens, painted sculptures, and most recently, computer graphics. Regardless of the medium, his unique vision and personality come through in each and every one of his artworks. Alter has held many one – man shows and taken part in numerous group exhibitions throughout the world. His works are included in many important private and corporate collections.