Leonid Afremov 3 Leonid Afremov (1955-)

The canvas presents a nocturnal urban scene dominated by a row of tall, narrow buildings lining a waterway. The artist employed a thick impasto technique, applying paint in visible strokes that create a textured surface and imbue the composition with a sense of dynamism. A small boat is positioned centrally on the water, its presence suggesting movement and a human element within this constructed environment.
The color palette is intensely vibrant, relying heavily on yellows, oranges, reds, blues, and greens. These hues are not deployed realistically; instead, they contribute to an overall atmosphere of heightened emotion and artificiality. The buildings themselves appear almost theatrical in their presentation, with the light emanating from their windows rendered as glowing rectangles that punctuate the darkness. This creates a sense of warmth and invitation, yet also hints at a certain isolation behind those illuminated facades.
The water acts as a mirror, reflecting the colors and forms of the buildings above. However, this reflection is not precise; it’s distorted by the brushstrokes and the rippling surface, further emphasizing the subjective nature of perception. The sky is rendered entirely black, which serves to intensify the luminosity of the scene below and create a sense of enclosure.
Beyond the immediate visual impact, the painting evokes feelings of nostalgia and perhaps a longing for an idealized past. The architectural style suggests a European heritage, possibly hinting at a romanticized view of urban life. The use of artificial light and exaggerated color could be interpreted as a commentary on modern societys relationship with nature and authenticity, suggesting a constructed reality where beauty is manufactured rather than observed. Ultimately, the work seems to explore themes of memory, perception, and the allure of an imagined place.