Alexander Sheversky

Born: 1961; Chisinau, Republic of Moldova
Nationality: Moldovian

Biography of Alexander Sheversky

Born in 1961, Alexander Sheversky grew up in Chisinau, Republic of Moldova, helping his father draw on walls. Literally. His father was an artist who created many murals in their home and accepted commissions from Soviet officials, which lined their hallway with canvases. From the time he was 12-years-old until he was 16-years-old, Sheversky helped his father complete these paintings.

At 16, he accepted a machinist position in his hometown, but didn’t care for the work. He convinced his father that he wanted to be an artist and eventually studied at I.E. Repin Academy of Art. After graduation, he worked for a large department store with other artists who specialized in creating paintings and displays for the store.

In 1986, Alexander began exhibiting his paintings in Chisinau and critical acceptance and recognition followed. Russian officials selected him to exhibit in the competitive environment in Moscow. His success led him to manage a studio for artists who accepted government commissions. He continued to exhibit in Moscow every year until he moved to Israel in 1991 where he lived for seven years. In 1998, he moved to Toronto, which is where he feels most at home.

Sheversky’s artistic style reflects his admiration for Rembrandt and Vermeer. His masterful chiaroscuro effects produce realism in his paintings that can be compared to past European masters. He carefully creates still lifes with a geometrical sense of order and then paints light in a three dimensional form to produce dramatic effects in his works. The light and shadow effects seen in his re-creation of draped material or closely nestled wine bottles showcase his painting skill and the influence of modern day classicism.

Sheversky acknowledges that lighting attracts his eye:

“When the sun is up in the morning in my window and the sunlight falls on my objects in my studio, with it comes happiness, the life has come. Every morning I wait for this moment….”

Lighting and strong colors are reasons why Sheversky chooses to paint with acrylic instead of oil. He explains, “Acrylic dries faster; therefore, I can apply more paint and create stronger colors. With oil, the artist must paint from dark to light. With acrylic, I can paint from light to dark and create more brightness in the painting.” A dry brushstroke over the entire painting creates visual smoothness across the canvas.

His studio is a basement apartment rented from friends. Painting keeps him so occupied during the week that he usually sees his family only on Sundays. Sheversky is the father of two daughters, one of which is a toddler. “Let her draw on the walls if she wants,” he tells his wife, “I can always cover it up if I need to!”

EXHIBITIONS

2002 Artexpo – New York

2001 Artexpo – New York

1999 Artexpo – New York

1998 124th Annual Open Juried Exhibition of Ontario Society of Artists – Toronto, Canada

1994 Annual Municipal Exhibition – Tel Aviv, Israel

1993 Exhibition, Monson Gallery – Tel Aviv, Israel

1992 Exhibition, Amelia Gallery – Tel Aviv, Israel

1990 Exhibition, Art MIF – Moscow, Russia

1989 Exhibition, Moscow Art Gallery – Moscow, Russia

1987 Exhibition, Manege Gallery – Moscow, Russia

1986 Exhibition, Union of Artists – Chisinau, Republic of Moldov