Leonid Afremov 130 Leonid Afremov (1955-)

The canvas presents a nocturnal urban scene dominated by vibrant color and impasto technique. Here we observe a couple strolling along a wet pavement, illuminated by a series of lampposts that punctuate the composition. The perspective is slightly elevated, allowing for a broad view of the environment.
The most striking element is the treatment of light and foliage. The trees lining the pathway are not rendered realistically but rather as dense accumulations of brushstrokes in shades of yellow, orange, red, blue, and green. This creates an impression of intense luminosity, suggesting a warm, almost dreamlike atmosphere. The lampposts themselves become focal points, their light reflected in the wet pavement to produce shimmering pools of color that extend throughout the scene.
The couple is positioned centrally within the frame, yet they remain relatively small in scale compared to the surrounding environment. Their attire – a man’s coat and hat, a womans dress with a flowing skirt – suggests a degree of formality or perhaps a romantic encounter. The posture of the figures, leaning towards one another, implies intimacy and shared experience.
The wet pavement is crucial to the overall effect. It acts as both a reflective surface amplifying the light from above and a visual connector between the foreground and background. The reflections distort and fragment the image, contributing to the sense of unreality and heightened emotion.
Subtly, the painting conveys themes of romance, urban life, and perhaps even escapism. The vibrant colors and exaggerated lighting suggest an idealized view of the city at night, a place where everyday concerns are momentarily suspended. The couple’s presence hints at personal connection within this larger, somewhat overwhelming environment. Theres a sense of fleeting beauty and transient joy captured in a moment of shared experience.

The artist’s deliberate use of thick paint application creates texture and depth, inviting the viewer to engage with the surface of the canvas. The overall effect is one of energetic movement and emotional intensity.