A Modern Renaissance in Somerville
Artists turn their home into a "temple of art"
Nicholas Shaplyko and Ekaterina Sorokina have transformed the former
Masonic lodge into what they call a ''temple of art". It's a whimsical
place with serious ambitions. They call their home/studio the Museum
of Modern Renaissance, and while it's not generally open to the public,
they hope it will stand as a permanent testament to the old-fashioned
values they believe in.
''The first Renaissance brought beauty and humanity back to society,
and we think it is time to do it again," Shaplyko says. The
artists incorporate their style and contrasting personalities into their
shared work. ''I draw and Kathryn makes it come alive," Shaplyko
explains. ''She has a great feeling of color." There is no
doubt that the artists' Russian roots — they still keep an apartment
in Moscow and a home in the country — and extensive traveling
have influenced their work. Examples of European, Middle Eastern, and
Latin American-inspired art are throughout the home in the form of folkloric
paintings and hand-painted plates, murals, and wood inlay pieces. Some
of the paintings have been exhibited at the Russian Embassy in Washington.
President Vladimir Putin has a Shaplyko painting, the artist says.
By Kathleen Wereszynski, Globe Correspondent
115 College Avenue Somerville, MA 02144 USA (617)628-9303 shaplyko@comcast.net
2006 Nicholas Shaplyko