SHENKER Ilya

Ilya SHENKER (born 1922) is a Russian naturalized artist.

Ilya Shenker left Russia more than twenty years ago to live in New York. However, Russia never left the artist's mind. As a World War II soldier, he survived where millions of people died. Back in his hometown of Odessa, he felt abandoned and alone. He studied art and architecture in Odessa, and was one of many Russian Jewish artists allowed to emigrate, he left for America when the occasion presented itself.

He moved to New York, a choice that forever marked his work. Many of his images depict New York City's urban landscape and lifestyle; however, they are typically russian. His subject often comes from memory and understands the life he left behind, his family and friends. Drawing inspiration from her Jewish heritage, Shenker also painted historical events, such as "The eve of the assault" in which he represented the last night before the destruction of Jerusalem.

His use of imagination also applies to characters in his paintings - fictional characters such as the Spanish literary character Don Quixote make appearances in his work. He also placed characters such as Rembrandt and Picasso in modern contexts: in "Rembrandt visiting our family", Shenker sits his most favored artist at his family table, in tribute to someone whom he describes as a "artist of the people". On many levels, Shenker also considers himself a popular artist.

He contributed to an exhibition to commemorate the sixth anniversary of 11 September 2001 in New York.

Ilya Shenker has exhibited her works around the world and has organized 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, which is used with his historical fascination, creates truly unique and memorable works.