Ilya Shenker Solos at Grant Gallery in Soho

Thursday, 18 January 2007 21:07

New York City - The work of Ilya Shenker will be presented in a solo exhibition, Ballet Russe, at the Grant Gallery.  This collection of paintings will be on display at the gallery from January 18^th through February 15^th, 2007.  Born in Odessa, Ilya Shenker had been a member of the Soviet Army during World War II.  He returned home to Odessa in 1945 where his passion for the arts led to his study of art and architecture.  Thirty years later, Shenker emigrated to the United States along with a group of Russian Jewish artists, and settled in New York.

Through a unique expressionist style, Ilya Shenker creates stunning figurative pieces.  He draws from his own personal history and experiences in Russia, as well as creating scenes with fictional characters.

“Ballet Russe,” Ilya Shenker’s newest collection, proves to be somewhat of a departure from his earlier works.  Placing ballerinas in urban settings, Shenker shows us another facet of his talents.  While the colors have become lighter, with a palette comprised primarily of pastels, his technique of fluid lines and sweeping brushstrokes is still apparent in many of these works, providing his pieces with a soft and delicate appearance.

Visit Grant Gallery located in Soho at 7 Mercer Street ( between Grand and Canal Street), NYC : www.grantgallery.com