Born in 1965 in Altai, a remote town in Russia, Viktor Shvaiko studied for four years at Novoaltaisk Artistic School, one of the best in the former Soviet Union. The family then moved to the western Ukraine where the scenery was breathtaking but the Russian bureaucracy was stifling to an artist. He had two solo exhibitions while in Russia in 1990 and a group exhibit in Hungary in 1991.
After obt...see more »aining a visa to visit Yugoslavia, he fled to Italy in 1992 with his paintings and sold them to earn money to live in Rome. He eventually returned to Russia and then managed to travel to New York, where he again survived by selling his paintings, having arrived almost penniless and with little English.
Shvaiko developed his style from his art teacher, who encouraged him in his drawing and the intricate use of strong colors to influence his traditional academic technique. The intricate use of color and the mystery he creates in his work draw people to his paintings. His signature art are breathtaking cafés and bistros and other intimate locations, mostly European. In 1998, an autobiographical monograph of the artist was printed in Barcelona titled Journey to the West.
Viktor Shvaiko continues to work and paint in New York City. His reputation has grown considerably and he has now had over 25 solo exhibitions with more to come. Shvaiko's art can be found in museums in Russia and galleries and in private collections and with retailers around the world.« see less
"To Whom It May Concern:
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Chris H. of Colorado says:
"To Whom It May Concern: Allow me to take a minute to thank you for the framed print I recently received from Art Passions. Shopping with your company was a wonderful experience. The person I spoke to in your customer service department was friendly, professional, and extremely helpful. I wish I could remember her name. She is to be commended. I can tell you that I commented on her "Michigan accent" as I was born in Detroit. I told her that talking to her reminded me of my Michigan relatives. Sincerely, Chris Hubersberger"