The Dual Canvas: Emil Silberman’s Journey Through Art and Medicine

In an exclusive interview, we delve into the life of Emil Silberman, a remarkable individual and expert who has seamlessly blended the worlds of art and medicine. From a young age, Emil displayed a natural talent for art, receiving a box of plasticine as a birthday gift at just three years old, igniting a passion that never waned. However, the expectations set by his parents directed him towards a career in medicine. Despite initially keeping these two worlds separate, Emil eventually discovered that they are intrinsically linked. 

“I came to realize that much of my inspiration for art comes from my work in a busy inner-city hospital emergency room,” Emil shares. “Conversely, art allows me to decompress and rejuvenate, helping me cope with the intense environment of my medical profession.”

Emil has recently announced his upcoming exhibition following a successful showcase at the “Fence Exhibition” in Ellenville, NY. Here, he presented eight sculptures across various media, contributing to a tradition of deep intellectual discourse among the Russian-speaking elite. He also exhibited a provocative piece titled “The Politician” at the “Art on Paper” event in New York, addressing themes of corruption and the power of influence. Another work, “The Art Critics,” showcased at the MoRA Museum, critically examined the lack of objectivity in the art critique community.

Artistic Process

Emil’s creative process is deeply intertwined with his philosophical and spiritual journey. He begins with a concept he wishes to illustrate, allowing an image to emerge organically. With a diverse array of styles at his disposal, he carefully selects the appropriate medium to convey his message. His experiences in the ER not only provide inspiration but also enhance his understanding of human emotions and forms, which he translates into his artwork. 

“Art serves as my emotional outlet,” he explains. “It enables me to maintain my well-being and continue my demanding work in medicine.”

Emil’s tagline, “becoming a physician in order to be a real artist,” encapsulates his unique perspective on the intersection of art and medicine. He recognized early on that to pursue powerful, meaningful art, he needed to secure his livelihood through another profession. Becoming a doctor allowed him the freedom to create art on his own terms.

Artwork Details

Every piece Emil creates carries significant meaning. He emphasizes that his artwork is not merely decorative; rather, it is a reflection of the ideas he wishes to convey. A standout installation at the MoRA museum, “Art Critics,” utilized mixed media, including wood, metal, glass, and clothing, challenging the conventional boundaries of fine art.

Through his artwork, Emil seeks to convey the profound impact art can have on illustrating human experiences and emotions. He aims to inspire others to embrace their dualities, reminding them that it is possible to pursue multiple passions without sacrificing one for the other. His pieces, such as “The Boiling Pot of America” and “How Much Do You Love?” tackle contemporary societal issues, inviting viewers to reflect on the complexities of modern life.

Balancing the demanding roles of an artist and a physician presents its challenges. Emil acknowledges the struggle of maintaining a “double life” but has found that the two professions complement each other in meaningful ways. He overcame the challenge of separation by embracing the interplay between art and medicine, allowing both to enrich his life.

Community Impact

Emil envisions his work as a catalyst for community engagement and inspiration. During the Covid-19 pandemic, he organized outdoor art exhibitions to provide a sense of normalcy and beauty during a time of crisis. His efforts to create art with children in conflict-affected areas of Israel demonstrate his commitment to using creativity as a healing tool.

Looking ahead, Emil aspires to further merge his passions for art and medicine. He envisions expanding into new creative fields, such as theater and film, while continuing to curate exhibitions that foster collaboration and dialogue among artists and audiences alike. His exhibitions are designed as “Creative Labs,” encouraging participants to explore their own creative potential.

Emil’s exhibitions are interactive, featuring presentations by artists and educational components that invite the audience to engage with the artworks on a deeper level. He believes that fostering an environment of exploration will inspire visitors to pursue their creative endeavors.

A pivotal moment in Emil’s journey came when he was accepted into an art academy in Tel Aviv, but ultimately chose to pursue medicine at the urging of his parents. This decision ignited his resolve to embrace both paths. Encouragement from his sculpture professor to carve his own artistic path further solidified his commitment to becoming both a doctor and an artist.

Emil believes that everyone possesses untapped creative potential. He advocates for art to be a genuine expression of the self, unencumbered by commercial pressures. “Art has the ability to express things more powerfully than words,” he concludes. “In my work, I strive to recreate that magic time and again.”

In a world that often emphasizes specialization, Emil stands as a beacon for those who dare to explore the intersections of their interests. His life encourages others to pursue their passions with courage and conviction, demonstrating that the blending of art and medicine is not just possible but can lead to transformative experiences that resonate with others and make a lasting impact on the community. Through his work, Emil ignites a spark of inspiration, urging individuals to embrace their own unique journeys and to recognize the beauty that lies in living a life that is authentically their own.