(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Ukrainian artist Yuri Shevchenko who never set foot in UAE captures countrys essence for F1 Grand Prix.
Yuri Shevchenko’spainting of Charlie Chaplin’s car on Route 66 with a shark bursting through the windscreen. — Supplied photos
Fast cars and sand dunes can’t fail to impress even the least art-inclined minds in Abu Dhabi. And Yuri Shevchenko’s paintings did impress visitors of Sofitel hotel here.
The Ukrainian artist never set foot in the UAE before the opening of his exhibition last week but he created a collection of artworks especially for Abu Dhabi in celebration of Formula 1 Grand Prix that ended on November 23.
Presented by N2N Gallery Abu Dhabi and Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche the exhibition showcased Shevchenko’s 16 paintings all featuring fast and legendary cars.
“I am very impressed by the UAE and its people” stated Shevchenko who studied the country’s geography culture and lifestyle on various forms of media in order to create a special set of paintings reflecting Abu Dhabi.
Born in 1953 on a Soviet Union military base in China Shevchenko now one of Ukraine’s best known contemporary artists grew up fascinated by cars art and the pop culture shaped in the US.
Hence one of his famous paintings features Charlie Chaplin’s car on the legendary Route 66 with a shark bursting through the windscreen. “There are so many surprises when driving on route 66 you never know what to expect” explained the artist.
The shark symbolises such a surprise but also adds a humour element since it features one of the most prominent and loved comedians of all times.
One of Yuri Shevchenko’s paintings created for F1 Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi.
His works dedicated to Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix feature fast cars especially Ferraris that blend into the desert surroundings of the city. “I love fast and legendary auto cars and I see many (such) ... cars on the roads of Abu Dhabi and Dubai” said Shevchenko.
In his opinion Ferrari was “made for the UAE” simply because it is much loved — and purchased — here. It has become a symbol of the nation’s wealth and lifestyle. Shevchenko’s exhibition at Sofitel will be on until November 27.
silviakhaleejtimes.com