Shlomo Alter was born to a family of restaurateurs in Romania. Since he was very young his natural artistic gifts were clear. He immigrated to Israel in 1948. During high school he started studying painting with well-known artist Aaron Avni as his teacher. Some early works of his appeared in UNICEF’S world touring exhibition of young artists. In 1959 he left the army as a lieutenant, got married and developed a successful career in computers. During this period the world famous painter Marcel Janco, from time to time, guided him on his painting. He also had the unique opportunity to visit the art capitals of Europe many times. In 1975 he left the computer industry, to dedicate himself entirely to his art.
Shlomo Altar’s works are influenced by his childhood memories of the well-dressed people who gathered in the courtyard of his parent’s restaurant in Bucharest to eat and drink, to dance of Gypsy bands, and to enjoy the warm atmosphere. With a touch of optimism and good humor Shlomo Altar’s art reflects life at its core, an antithesis to the Nazi regime that shattered his childhood happiness. His paintings are like a stage set on which the objects relate to each other through a glow of lines and colors – a frozen moment in time, a dynamic stillness prior to a burst of action. His style can best be compared to Expressionism. He uses color to give direct expression to his ideas in influence by the famous expressionists, particularly Matisse and Duty.
Shlomo Alter is a versatile artist who works in many media including ink drawings, gouaches, watercolors, oils, silk screens, painted sculptures, and most recently, computer graphics. Regardless of the medium, his unique vision and personality come through in each and every one of his artworks.
Shlomo Alter has held many one – man shows and taken part in numerous group exhibitions throughout the world. His works are included in many important private and corporate collections.
