“Many things in life have character and symbolic sense for me. I always look at the beauty and aesthetic values of the subject, even in the ambiguous or simple sides of life. I interpret and build on reality with the use of my imagination. Art is the natural way to express my feelings and emotions” Alex Nemirovsky.
A chance photographic portrait, taken by Wade Ashley at Dygiphy, has led to a more than decade long project being fulfilled. Bruce Draper has long known the artist Alex Nemirovsky, and for years they had discussed the idea of Alex painting a portrait of Bruce. But time, distance and circumstance always conspired against getting the project started, until Wade asked Bruce to sit for a photographic portrait.
The portrait caught something of Bruce’s natural dignity and cheeky sense of humour, and he immediately liked the photograph. Wade produced a print on fine art paper, which allowed the organic vibrancy and intensity of colour and expression to be seen.
Then, Bruce took Wade’s photographic portrait to Alex, and Alex was able to paint the portrait he and Bruce had discussed for so many years.
“When Alex paints from reality, something about who he is mixes with what he sees to create the magic” says another client who commissioned a portrait in oil.
Alex’s influences range from the great international masters of the Hermitage to the Australian wilderness. He has exhibited his works throughout Europe, America and Australia. This portrait of Bruce, capturing his honest enthusiasm for life, leaps vividly from the canvas. This is a painting of a feeling about a person, as much as it is of the physical reality of a person.
Alex’s paintings are eloquent articulations of his perceptions of the beauty and spirit of his subjects. His works span genres from classic portraiture to uniquely combining Central Asian decorative colours with classical European and Russian traditions. His art reveals a profound inner life, and touches on tumultuous as well as serene themes.
Alex’s works vary dramatically in scale, from small paintings to expansive public spaces. His largest work to date is “The Lady of St Kilda,” commissioned by the St Kilda City Council, which spans the railway bridge in Carlisle St, Balaclava / St Kilda. This is a much loved icon, and was recently restored by the City of Port Phillip after public consultation.
If you too find that you are drawn to the art of Alex Nemirovsky and would like to commission a work please contact Alex.