Leonid Afremov 22 Leonid Afremov (1955-)

The canvas presents a nocturnal urban scene dominated by a waterway flanked by buildings. The perspective is linear, drawing the eye towards a bridge positioned centrally within the composition. Buildings rise on either side, their facades rendered in thick impasto strokes of orange, red, and yellow, punctuated with accents of blue and turquoise. These colors suggest artificial illumination – streetlights or windows – reflecting intensely off the water’s surface.
The waterway itself is not depicted as a tranquil body of water; instead, it acts as a mirror, distorting and multiplying the light sources above into swirling patterns of color. The reflections are so vibrant that they almost seem to possess an independent existence from the objects casting them. This creates a sense of visual dynamism and heightened reality.
Above the buildings, the sky is rendered in a similarly expressive style, with broad strokes of purple, blue, and yellow suggesting a turbulent atmosphere or perhaps stylized stars. The brushwork here is less defined than on the architectural elements, contributing to an overall feeling of abstraction and dreamlike quality.
The artist’s technique emphasizes texture and movement. The thick application of paint creates a palpable sense of depth and physicality. This approach moves beyond mere representation; it aims to convey an emotional response to the scene – perhaps a feeling of wonder or enchantment evoked by the city at night.
Subtly, theres a suggestion of isolation within this vibrant setting. While the lights are abundant, they don’t illuminate any human presence. The viewer is positioned as an observer, distanced from the activity implied by the scene. This contributes to a contemplative mood, inviting reflection on the beauty and solitude that can coexist within urban environments.