Eugene Shvidler
ES23, a mysterious and prolific new artist whose bold and inspiring work has captivated art lovers over the last two years, has been revealed as Eugene Shvidler.
A successful businessman, investor and philanthropist, Shvidler has long maintained a deep but private relationship with the world of art. It’s a secret he held behind a pseudonym, and he has long been quietly producing compelling and deeply personal bodies of contemporary abstract work.
Shvidler has held a keen interest in art since childhood. Growing up in a creative household in the former USSR, his parents were both mathematicians, but were also expressive, artistic individuals. According to Shvidler, this rare combination of logic and imagination would go on to define not just his worldview, but the evolution of his artistic style decades later.
Eugene Shvidler
As a child, Shvidler displayed an early aptitude for drawing, painting and playing with form. At age 10, he was accepted into an art school in Moscow — indication of his talents. But as with many artists born into turbulent times, life took him on a different course.
After emigrating to the United States in 1989, he earned an MBA from Fordham University in 1992. Shvidler immersed himself in building a career and his future, and today, he’s a successful businessman and investor.
Eugene Shvidler
While developing a successful business career, Shvidler quietly nurtured his love of painting, color theory, composition and visual storytelling. Over the years, he became an avid collector and patron of the arts — frequenting galleries and museums around the world, engaging with artists, and studying both classical and contemporary movements.
Shvidler began producing large-scale works, mostly in acrylic on canvas, from his private studios. The alias allowed him the freedom to explore his creativity, take risks, and express himself away from his work as a businessman. ES23 works primarily with acrylic on canvas, often building up layers without preparatory sketches, letting the work evolve organically on the canvas. Mostly self-taught, ES23 cites admiration for artists such as Blinky Palermo, Siena, Riley, and even early Kandinsky, though his style remains uniquely his own. His signature themes include abstract geometry, human expression, memory and resilience.
Eugene Shvidler
In March 2024, he made his public debut as ES23 with the exhibition “100 Faces in Beverly Hills, presented by Kristy Stubbs Gallery and Yares Art. The series presents stylized human forms with vibrant emotion — some whimsical and some haunting — all uniquely rendered. These are inspired by people from all walks of life: friends, mentors, religious figures, even strangers who left an impression.
The show received immediate acclaim, with a foreword by renowned art advisor Sandy Heller, who recognized the emotional depth, precision and originality of ES23’s work. Shvidler and Heller’s relationship is rooted in mutual respect and a shared belief in the power of abstract storytelling, and was pivotal in bringing ES23’s work into the public eye.
“Sandy has been a dear friend for many years. His encouragement and gentle advice have always meant a lot to me,” said Shvidler. “For him, this isn’t just “work”—it’s a true passion and an integral part of our relationship.”
Later that year, in November 2024, a follow-up exhibition titled Part II – Not So Abstract” opened at Spanierman Modern on Madison Avenue in New York City, further cementing ES23’s arrival as a serious voice in contemporary abstraction.
Planning the debut shows took around a month and response was overwhelmingly positive. The Los Angeles event coincided with Shvidler’s birthday, which made for an extra-friendly atmosphere. He was also pleasantly surprised by unexpected visitors — including people from neighboring galleries.
While any future shows are tightly under wraps, big things are currently in the works for Shvidler.
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