Rainbow Painting

Shemi is from Mendoza, Argentina and has been experimenting with the arts since the 1970's. He moved to Kibbutz Carnia at the age of 20, and went on to spend a total of 20 years living there, exploring different medias at different points in his time at the kibbutz. 

The wide range of media that he explores in his artworks makes him a unique member of Eden Gallery's pool of contemporary artists. He is known for his lacquer-and acrylic-on-metal paintings. Specifically, Shemi's use of lacquer paints has led to a distinguishable style where bright colors of the rainbow, which are painted in abstract shapes and brush strokes, are raised off the background in a 3D manner. They have a very shiny appearance, adding a glaze-like sheen to an already visually stimulating painting. 

Aside from his most common usage of lacquer and acrylic paints, Shemi also creates what are known as “soft paintings." This medium is his own invention- these pairings are creations in which textiles of varied shapes and textures are layered on top of each other against a colorful illustrated background. He uses a threadless sewing machine to adhere all of the pieces of fabric together, so that they form a cohesive tapestry that looks like a dynamic painting. 

“Window paintings” are another media that are uniquely a Shemi creation. In his window paintings, he creates an inception-like scenario where the viewer is looking through a window in the painting into an outside world. These paintings represent a common theme in Shemi's artworks, which is an appreciation and love for life and natural beauty. Shemi likes to incorporate his worldview and perspective into his works, often conveying his positive point of view on life to the viewer.

Artworks by Calman Shemi can be viewed on the Eden Gallery website or at your nearest Eden Gallery location. Explore today.