As a youth, the personable print maker and painter studied at the Repin School of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture under renowned book artist Andre Pahomov.
His work is based on a 200-year-old fine art technique where he carves intricate images on linoleum, and makes limited edition linocut prints, mostly in black and white.
“This technique was used by great masters like Picasso and Chagall, but is not so common today when a lot of art is produced digitally,” Gerasev said.
“It is a very traditional, labor-intensive technique. Sometimes it takes me up to six months to make a print,” he added.
Gerasev, 34, will present his work June 12-27 at Gaga Gallery in Swampscott. The exhibition will feature 17 prints and mixed media works, in both black and white and color.
Each detailed piece tells a tale. In his linocut “Different Directions,” two wolves chat in the middle of a road. In his pencil and oil drawing “Meeting,” two lovers flanked by a dragon are separated by a watery chasm. All of the pieces are available for purchase.
His wife, Jamie, and son, Kolya, are featured in some of his art. “My work has been influenced by my family, travels, stories from the past, and what I lived through and saw,” Gerasev said.
Although Gerasev has exhibited his work in Germany, Holland, Russia and other parts of the United States in both group and solo shows, this is his first local exhibition.
“I’m very excited to be able to show the community what I do,” he said.
In addition to his personal work, he owns a small business where he does commercial graphic design for a variety of clients.
An active member of the Jewish community, Gerasev is helping Temple Sinai in Marblehead re-design its website. He also volunteers his time at Cohen Hillel Academy, where his son is a kindergarten student.
Gaga Gallery is located at 459 Humphrey St. in Swampscott. Gerasev’s work will be on display from June 12-27, from Wednesday through Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. The public is invited to an opening reception on Sunday, June 13, from 2-4 p.m. For more information visit http://www.gallerygaga.com or http://www.alexgerasev.com.
