Leonid Afremov 163 Leonid Afremov (1955-)

The artwork presents a figure immersed in musical performance, specifically playing a saxophone. The subject is rendered with thick, impasto brushstrokes that create a vibrant and textured surface. He appears elderly, distinguished by a full white beard and spectacles, suggesting experience and perhaps a contemplative nature. A red hat adorns his head, adding a touch of formality or theatricality to the scene.
The background is not depicted realistically but rather as an energetic swirl of color – predominantly blues, yellows, oranges, and purples – evoking the feeling of sound and movement. This chromatic intensity doesn’t serve to define a location; instead, it functions as a visual representation of the music itself, suggesting its emotional power and dynamism. The light source seems diffuse, illuminating the figure from multiple directions, which contributes to the overall sense of vibrancy and energy.
The artists technique emphasizes emotion over precise detail. Facial features are simplified, yet convey an expression of focused concentration. The saxophone is rendered with a similar expressive style, its metallic sheen suggested through layered brushwork rather than literal representation.
Subtly, there’s a suggestion of solitude or introspection within the performance. While surrounded by a whirlwind of color and sound, the figures gaze appears directed inward, hinting at a personal connection to the music he creates. The absence of other figures reinforces this sense of individual expression and perhaps even melancholy. The work seems to celebrate not just the act of playing but also the internal world of the musician – the emotions and experiences that inform his art.