In a revelation that has sent ripples through both the business and art worlds, Eugene Shvidler has been unmasked as the artist behind the pseudonym ES23. Known globally as a highly accomplished manager, investor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, Shvidler has, for years, been quietly cultivating a deeply personal and visually arresting body of work as an abstract artist. His secret identity was first reported by Forbes, ending two years of speculation around the elusive artist whose works had suddenly and forcefully entered the contemporary art scene.
The story begins decades ago in the former USSR, where Shvidler was born into a household shaped by both structure and creativity. His parents were mathematicians, yet they encouraged artistic expression and imagination. This unique fusion of logic and artistry would go on to shape Shvidler’s dual identity as both a strategic thinker and creative soul. From a young age, he showed a natural talent for the visual arts- drawing, painting, and experimenting with form. At just 10 years old, he was accepted into an art school in Moscow, a strong indication of his promise as a visual artist.
However, like many artists born into turbulent times, Shvidler’s path veered away from the canvas. After immigrating to the United States in 1989, he focused on building a life of stability and success, eventually earning an MBA from Fordham University in 1992. The next chapter of his life became defined by business achievements- particularly recognized for his work in the energy sector. Yet throughout, his love of painting never waned.
While building his career, Shvidler remained a passionate patron of the arts. He frequented galleries and museums across the globe, supported emerging artists, and built an extensive private collection. Behind the scenes, however, he was also producing his own work. From private studios, he began creating large-scale abstract paintings, mainly using acrylic on canvas. Working under the alias “ES23” (a nod to personal symbolism and anonymity) allowed him to create without judgment or expectation. It was a safe space to experiment, reflect, and evolve.
His method as ES23 is intuitive and unbound by rigid processes. He rarely uses preparatory sketches, instead allowing his work to develop organically on the canvas. Layers build upon layers, giving his pieces a raw, dynamic energy. ES23’s style is rooted in abstraction, yet layered with emotional and narrative depth. His influences include artists like Blinky Palermo, Bridget Riley, and early Wassily Kandinsky. Yet his visual language — filled with bold colors, complex geometry, and symbolic fragments of the human experience — is entirely his own.
In March 2024, the world got its first official glimpse of ES23’s work with 100 Faces in Beverly Hills, a public debut exhibition presented by Kristy Stubbs Gallery and Yares Art. The show featured 100 stylized portraits, each exploring the emotional landscape of the human condition. Some figures were whimsical, others haunting; all were rendered with striking individuality. The subjects included friends, mentors, strangers, and spiritual figures who had left a lasting impression on the artist. The show received widespread critical acclaim, with a foreword by esteemed art advisor Sandy Heller.
Heller, a longtime friend and supporter of Shvidler, played a pivotal role in bringing ES23 into the public eye. “Sandy has been a dear friend for many years. His encouragement and gentle advice have always meant a lot to me,” said Shvidler. “For him, this isn’t just work — it’s a true passion and an integral part of our relationship.”The opening event coincided with Shvidler’s birthday, adding a festive tone to the otherwise mysterious unveiling. According to attendees, even gallery neighbors wandered in to witness the event, intrigued by the energy and enthusiasm in the air.
Building on the momentum of his first show, Shvidler unveiled a follow-up exhibition in November 2024 titled Part II – Not So Abstract at Spanierman Modern on Madison Avenue in New York City. The new works pushed his visual storytelling further, exploring themes of memory, identity, and emotional resilience through increasingly abstract forms. The success of this show confirmed what many had already begun to suspect: ES23 was no passing phenomenon, but a serious voice in contemporary art.
The revelation of Shvidler’s identity may change how his work is perceived, but for the artist himself, it marks a new chapter of authenticity. “Art has always been with me — even when no one else knew about it,” he reflected in a private conversation. “It’s how I process the world. It’s never been about fame, and I hope that doesn’t change.”
As for what’s next? Shvidler is keeping plans for future exhibitions tightly under wraps. However, sources close to the artist hint at several ambitious projects on the horizon, possibly including collaborations and international showcases.
With Eugene Shvidler’s unmasking as ES23, the art world gains not only a compelling body of work but a powerful story of creative perseverance. His journey is proof that artistic expression can flourish at any stage of life, and that behind even the most high-powered business figure, there may lie the heart of a painter.