Gallery, 2018 – Archive of Oil Paintings
Explore Igor Shulman’s 2018 archive of original oil paintings. This year features a blend of realism and abstraction, with compositions that explore themes of identity, movement and the interplay of light and shadow.
2018 Archive of Original Oil Paintings
In 2018, Igor Shulman experimented with abstract elements while maintaining his commitment to realism. His works from this year reflect a dynamic interplay between form and space, inviting viewers to engage with the complexities of human experience.
Shop Available 2018 Oil Paintings
View available oil paintings in the catalogue
Students
Students (2018) by Igor Shulman portrays a serene and intimate moment shared by a young couple. The composition places the woman at the center: she sits sideways on the back of a bicycle, completely absorbed in her book. Her long brown coat drapes softly around her as her legs hang gracefully, black boots hinting at quiet elegance. Her dark hair is pulled back, her face unseen, yet her posture conveys tranquility and inward focus.
Behind her, a man pedals the bicycle, viewed from the back. His muted jacket and upright posture emphasize his supporting presence, while the simplicity of his rendering ensures that the woman remains the focal point. The bicycle itself, only partly visible, becomes a quiet metaphor for movement and shared journey.
The background is a textured field of pale aqua blue, tinged with lavender and grey, suggesting an abstract sky or vast openness. Its painterly texture adds depth and atmosphere, transforming the scene into something closer to memory or dream than literal reality.
Shulman’s technique merges realism with impressionistic softness. Visible brushstrokes animate the woman’s coat and the layered background, while subtle tonal variations create harmony. The muted palette of browns, greys, and soft blues enhances the mood of calm reflection.
The painting conveys themes of companionship, introspection, and balance. While the woman retreats into the world of her book, the man’s presence ensures connection. Together, they embody the delicate interplay of independence and togetherness within human relationships.
Untitled (Two Friends)
Two Friends (2018) by Igor Shulman captures the warmth of companionship through the simple act of sharing a bicycle ride. The painting centers on two young men, both dressed in muted grayish-purple work clothes and matching dark newsboy caps. Their attire suggests a working-class background, grounding the scene in everyday life. The man in front leans forward to pedal, his attention split between the road and his companion, while the man behind sits at ease, gazing over his shoulder. Their calm expressions and relaxed body language convey quiet trust and familiarity.
The vintage bicycle, with its high-spoked wheels and sturdy frame, enhances the nostalgic quality of the work. Its presence not only serves as a vehicle but also symbolizes a shared journey—whether literal or metaphorical. The men’s sturdy boots, simple clothes, and gentle demeanor create a sense of authenticity and timelessness.
The background is a textured expanse of pale blue, subtly varied with brushstrokes that suggest depth and atmosphere. A thin band of purplish-brown along the bottom hints at the earth or a dusty road, anchoring the scene without distracting from the figures. Shulman’s expressive brushwork and muted palette reinforce the painting’s rustic simplicity. The visible strokes in the men’s clothing and the bicycle wheels bring texture and life, while the diffused light maintains a tranquil atmosphere.
The mood is nostalgic, serene, and quietly joyful. Shulman presents friendship not as something grand or dramatic but as a shared experience of trust and closeness. Two Friends celebrates the enduring beauty of companionship, the peacefulness of simple pleasures, and the timelessness of human connection.
Untitled (Silent Reflection)
Silent Reflection (2018) by Igor Shulman presents a nude female figure viewed from behind, captured in a moment of quiet introspection. Her slender form is delicately rendered, with warm skin tones ranging from soft peaches to richer browns in shadowed areas. She hugs herself gently, her arms wrapped around her torso near the waist and upper back, hands partly obscuring her neck. Her dark hair is pulled into a simple bun, emphasizing the stillness and intimacy of the pose.
The background is minimal—a stark white canvas that isolates the figure, allowing light and shadow to sculpt her form. Subtle, diffused lighting highlights the gentle curves of her musculature and the softness of her skin, reinforcing the contemplative mood. The smooth application of oil paint enhances the realism, with almost imperceptible brushstrokes blending seamlessly to create natural transitions between light and shadow.
Shulman’s approach combines technical precision with emotional depth. The figure’s posture conveys vulnerability, introspection, and a quiet sense of self-protection. Despite the evident fragility, there is an understated strength in the way she holds herself, creating a dialogue between inner emotion and physical presence.
The painting explores themes of self-reflection, vulnerability, and the complexity of the female experience. Her enveloping gesture suggests introspection, emotional sheltering, or personal contemplation. By isolating the figure against a blank background, Shulman draws attention to the internal emotional landscape, inviting the viewer to reflect on the subject’s state of mind and the universal experience of solitude, self-awareness, and acceptance.
Morning N.Y.
Morning N.Y. (2018) by Igor Shulman portrays a young woman seated in a wooden chair, nude from the waist up, capturing a moment of introspection and subtle sensuality. Her dark hair is pulled back neatly, and her eyes meet the viewer with a direct, almost challenging gaze. Warm reddish-brown tones define the curves of her body, while a delicate off-white lace garment drapes partially over her, suggesting both fragility and self-possession. Her hands adjust the fabric with gentle precision, emphasizing her quiet control over the scene.
The background is a rich interplay of deep purples and browns, applied with visible brushstrokes that create depth and texture without defining a literal space. The contrast between the illuminated figure and the shadowed backdrop draws the viewer’s focus entirely to her presence. Shulman’s brushwork blends realism with expressive detail, capturing both the form and the emotional resonance of the subject. Light caresses her skin, highlighting the natural contours of her body and enhancing the intimate atmosphere.
The mood is contemplative and intimate, with a sense of quiet confidence and introspection. The direct gaze and composed posture evoke both vulnerability and self-assurance, inviting the viewer into a private moment of reflection.
Symbolically, the lace garment suggests delicacy and the complexity of female identity, while the partially visible chair hints at stability and personal grounding. Morning N.Y. explores themes of self-awareness, empowerment, and the nuanced balance between vulnerability and confidence, offering a deeply personal and emotionally rich portrait.
Some archived artworks may be available as prints upon request. Learn more.