I was brought up by may Dad, a great and important artist of the Socialist Realist School in Ukraine and Russia, on an idea that the type of Art that he believed in was sourced in the deep and empathically humane representation of the real people often from the farthest from the qlitz corners of society. In search of his charterers Dad would go and spend long stretches of time among people often in the very remote villages of Ukraine tagging us along. He also believed that the Art inspired and fueled by the authenticity of those people shall be, as a priority, shown to them, establishing a direct feedback loop.
Once I saw the incredible richness of humanity all around me in Carson those early ideas shaped into a concept of the series.
Imam Ashraf Carrim 72" x 48" oil on canvas
My next-door neighbors and cherished friends are all of
remarkably different backgrounds, all bringing their special sense of
uniqueness, authenticity and integrity.
One of them is Imam Ashraf Carrim, the most gracious human
being. Not relying on any foreign support, he is an admired leader of his local Muslim congregation and The Institute of Tolerance. He is deeply and in
a rare fashion devoted to the interfaith work. You can stop by his place and
see him discussing kosher laws with a conservative rabbi, or chuckle with
evangelical minister, or embrace the Mormon bishop and then he would host
dinners for everyone. That's how a true hero of our society look like and I just wanted to capture it and share.
In 2011 as
part of the project I was commissioned by the local CSU Dominguez Hills a
painting entitled “Learners of Dominguez: Howard, Jenika, Auburn, Chris,
Ronald” to officially commemorate the 50th anniversary of this statistically
one of the most diverse campuses in the nation. The work was hailed by the
media as “Capturing the Soul of a Diverse Campus”
“Learners of Dominguez: Howard, Jenika, Auburn, Chris, Ronald”
15" x 60"oil on canvas
“Both
in the process by which it was created and the diverse students it portrays,
‘Learners’ captures the essence of Cal State Dominguez Hills and its goal to
wield the power of diversity, lifelong learning, and collaboration for a more
promising future,” said Dr. Mildred García, the institution’s former president
and current chief executive of Cal State Fullerton. “I was honored to play a
small part in Alexey’s process, and proud the students depicted in ‘Learners’
reflect an even brighter future for Cal State Dominguez Hills and its
surrounding communities.”
Additionally,
the project represented my personal contemplation as the first generation
immigrant on the topic of what makes an American Idea.
Looking in the eyes and into expressions of my close neighbors that quickly became good friends
representing practically every corner of the world I was asking myself “what is
it to be an American?” What is it that makes them and me, while fully
representing our own diverse backgrounds, something distinctly different from
those backgrounds and mutually united in this difference? This is what I hope
to answer to myself and to compel the viewer to see. I want to portray the
Diversity and the Community as an American Idea.
"Anayo" 30"x22" sepia on Fapriano paper
Anayo is one of the distinguished leaders of his proud Igbo
tribe both, back in his home country of Nigeria and here, in the US, a gentle
giant carrying on the powerful spirit of his land, all its
suffering and perseverance.
To me he himself represents “The Mask” and The Spirit of his
ancestors that he often plays in the rituals and which is a big honor to
perform.
Talent
is an unmistakable human quality and the natural marker of the
completely authentic uniqueness. My good friend and a remarkable
photographer Gene Lemuel provided me with plenty of both here in Carson.
The Photographer 60" x 36" oil on canvas
in ART we trust!
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