Adolf Shevchenko (1930—2018) spent most of his life depicting ordinary workers – sailors, builders, fishermen. The artist found inspiration in the picturesque banks of the Pregolya River, the streets of the old town, everyday work. The austere style resonated with the artist in many ways — it was a trend in the art of the sixties that contrasted itself with artificial and pompous painting of socialist realism. Instead of praising labor feats, Shevchenko watched the daily life of workers, trying to convey the truth of life through graphics.

The artist was born in Ivanovo, where he graduated from the art school, and then entered the Vilnius Academy of Arts. In 1957, Shevchenko moved to Kaliningrad and joined the local branch of the Union of Artists. He has a variety of techniques ranging from engraving and watercolours to oil and gouache.

Lino print that became popular in the early 20th century in connection with the invention and wide use of linoleum was valued particularly high by the artist. At first, the technique was widely used to print large-sized posters – hence the similarity with the poster art that can be traced in the works by Shevchenko. The image is cut out on linoleum, covered with paint and imprinted on a sheet of paper. This democratic technique was the best suited to the subjects chosen by the artist. His works combine austerity, precision and expressiveness.

While working on the Mail Delivery lino print, Shevchenko sought to create an emotional and dynamic image that could convey the spirit of the age. Hence the laconic, sharp style, simple plot and heroes familiar to all townspeople. Sailors who finally got letters from home don’t look like heroes of socialist realism. They are the so-called little people who work hard, but their work is often overlooked. This theme was especially relevant in the late 1950s, when the city was just beginning to recover from the war. The Soviet Kaliningrad was actually being rebuilt, and that required enormous efforts by thousands of people.

Today, Shevchenko’s works of that period can be seen as a historical document reflecting many details that are now gone into the past forever. It is the life of fishing collective farms, the life in the harbour, and much more.