Leonid Afremov 124 Leonid Afremov (1955-)

The artwork presents a nocturnal urban scene, dominated by a sense of vibrant energy and melancholic atmosphere. Here we see a street illuminated by artificial light, reflecting intensely in the wet pavement. The perspective is slightly elevated, allowing for a broad view of the buildings lining the thoroughfare.
The architecture appears European, characterized by multi-story structures with symmetrical windows and balconies. These buildings are rendered not with precise detail but through an expressive application of color – predominantly yellows, oranges, and creams – which suggests warmth and solidity despite their somewhat flattened appearance. The sky above is a riot of color, a swirling vortex of blues, purples, reds, and yellows that evokes both the intensity of city lights and perhaps a sense of emotional turbulence.
Several figures populate the scene; they are depicted with simplified forms, each sheltering beneath an umbrella from what appears to be a gentle rain. Their postures suggest a quiet resignation or introspection rather than active engagement with their surroundings. The umbrellas themselves become focal points, their dark shapes punctuating the luminous reflections on the ground and contributing to the overall mood of solitude.
The artist employed a thick impasto technique throughout, creating a textured surface that amplifies the visual impact of the colors. Brushstrokes are visible and deliberate, adding dynamism and movement to the composition. The light sources – street lamps and building windows – cast strong reflections on the wet pavement, transforming it into a shimmering mirror that doubles the scene and further enhances its dreamlike quality.
Subtly, theres an underlying theme of transience and isolation. While the vibrant colors suggest vitality, the rain, the umbrellas, and the solitary figures contribute to a feeling of detachment. The reflections in the wet street create a sense of duality – a world both present and mirrored, real and illusory. It’s as if the scene captures a fleeting moment of urban life, imbued with a quiet beauty tinged with melancholy.