Leonid Afremov 135 Leonid Afremov (1955-)

The canvas presents a nocturnal urban scene, dominated by vibrant color and impasto brushwork. Here we observe two figures – an adult and a child – walking along a wet street illuminated by a single lamppost. The adult holds an umbrella over the pair, shielding them from what appears to be a gentle rain. Their forms are somewhat obscured by the thick application of paint and the overall luminosity of the scene.
The artist has rendered the foliage surrounding the path in a riot of yellows, oranges, reds, and blues, creating a sense of heightened reality and emotional intensity. The trees themselves appear almost abstract, their shapes suggested rather than precisely defined. This treatment contributes to an atmosphere that is both familiar and dreamlike.
Below, the wet pavement reflects the light and color above, doubling the visual impact and generating a feeling of depth. The reflections are not merely copies of the scene; they are distorted and intensified, adding another layer of complexity to the composition. The water’s surface acts as a mirror, but also as a filter, softening edges and blending colors in a way that suggests fluidity and transience.
The lamppost serves as a focal point, its light radiating outwards and casting long shadows across the wet ground. This source of illumination is not merely functional; it contributes significantly to the painting’s mood – a sense of warmth and intimacy amidst an otherwise cool and potentially melancholic setting.
Subtly, the work explores themes of protection, companionship, and the beauty found in everyday moments. The adults gesture of holding the umbrella over the child suggests care and responsibility. The shared experience of walking through the rain – a seemingly mundane event – is elevated to something special by the artist’s expressive use of color and light. There is a sense of quiet joy and connection, hinting at a bond between generations.
The overall effect is one of heightened emotion and sensory richness. The painting does not simply depict a scene; it conveys an experience – a feeling of warmth, security, and shared wonder in the face of a rainy night.