Deep spirituality is realized in the paintings of Yevgeni Shchukin, one of Russia’s extraordinary and gifted contemporary artists.  Inspired by ancient traditions of Eastern Europe, he employs exquisite color, thought-provoking symbolism, and archetypal figures exploring a personal vision. A vision resonating with the emotional breadth of the universal human experience. 

Shchukin was born in 1959 to a Spanish mother in Odessa, a cosmopolitan port on the Black Sea.  A ballerina and dance teacher, she inspired son with ballet and nurtured his love of painting. He was exposed to museums, theater and art instruction. His adult endeavors included designing propaganda material for the State, but he simultaneously pursued his personal development with painting. Two years of mandatory military service in Afghanistan left him with empathy for human suffering; an experience adding to his imagery a subtle sense of wise sadness; but, ironically, balanced with exuberance and joy.  He earned a diploma from the Odessa Theatre and Fine Arts College, and then moved to St. Petersburg.  Although he soon abandoned the teamwork of theater in favor of the individualism of painting, his training in lighting, color, costume design, and dramatic presentation, profoundly influenced his artistic expression.

Shchukin’s paintings combine Old Masters techniques with the artist’s substantial intellect and intuition as he portrays life and the natural world.  With shimmering color, flowing forms, and often an entrancing element of quiet mystery and charm, Shchukin’s paintings convey ancient and timeless tales with a unique contemporary vision.

A member of the International Association of Artists, he has exhibited in Great Britain, France, Spain, Israel and the United States, as well as Russia and Ukraine.

Dianna Lennon, founder of Art of Russia Gallery in Santa Fe, is the exclusive worldwide representative and publisher for the art of Yevgeni Shchukin.  High-quality, limited-edition, prints are available from the Gallery.