Website: sibachevart.com

Title of Square: The Holy Face (Holy Mandylion), an Orthodox icon

Artist Statement: Magical realism is the common theme throughout Alex's portfolio of oil paintings. Influenced by travels and life on three continents (Europe, Africa and North America), his artwork is a spectrum of emotions and impressions translated into form and color. He presents a modern interpretation of form and figure combined with an emotionally-charged color palette. Each painting offers a fresh perspective of the magical element in the otherwise ordinary. The artist's preferred medium for paintings is oil on canvas, and preferred media for his statuettes include wood, clay and bronze.