“Reflection” celebrated the artistic journey of Ales and Julia Shaternik, bringing together family legacy, cultural memory, and nearly twenty years of connection with MORA Museum.
This special father-and-daughter exhibition brought together two generations of artistic vision, personal history, and cultural heritage. For both artists, the exhibition was especially meaningful, as it marked nearly twenty years of connection with the museum and its artistic community.
The relationship between the Shaternik family and the museum began many years ago, when Alexander Glezer, the founder of the Museum of Russian Contemporary Art, was among the first to recognize the talent of both Ales and Julia Shaternik. His support and belief in their work played an important role in their artistic journey in the United States.
In 2006, Ales and Julia Shaternik held an exhibition together at the Museum of Russian Contemporary Art in Jersey City. Nearly twenty years later, returning to the museum with the exhibition “Reflection” created a powerful sense of continuity, reflection, and gratitude.
Ales Shaternik presented new Pennsylvania landscapes, church paintings, and works connected to Belarus and New Jersey. His artwork reflects memory, spirituality, architecture, landscape, and a deep connection to cultural roots.
Julia Shaternik presented abstract paintings, floral works, and female figures inspired by nature, emotion, femininity, and the beauty of life. Her work brought a contemporary and expressive voice to the exhibition, creating a dialogue between color, feeling, and personal transformation.
The opening reception also included live music performed by a musician, creating a warm and inspiring atmosphere for the evening. The music added a special emotional layer to the event and made the gathering even more memorable for guests and artists alike.
Together, the works of Ales and Julia Shaternik created a meaningful conversation between generations — father and daughter, tradition and renewal, Belarusian heritage and American experience. The title “Reflection” captured the spirit of the exhibition: reflection on family, art, memory, identity, and the passage of time.
The exhibition was warmly received by visitors, friends, collectors, and members of the artistic community. Guests joined the artists for the opening reception, enjoyed art, conversation, live music, and light refreshments, and celebrated this important creative moment.
“Reflection” became not only an exhibition of artwork, but also a celebration of family legacy, cultural memory, and the continuing artistic journey of Ales and Julia Shaternik.