Title: Oil painting The play of light and shadow Oleksandr Gukalov Description: ?AAA5547The Oil painting on Canvas titled ?The play of light and shadow? is an expressive work that merges bold abstraction with figurative intimacy, capturing the raw essence of human connection through simplified forms, contrasting tones, and vibrant colors. The composition presents two figures locked in an embrace, rendered in flat planes of saturated color bordered by strong, dark outlines. Instead of striving for realism, the painting employs stylization and symbolic exaggeration to highlight emotions?joy, closeness, and warmth?while simultaneously exploring how light and shadow shape our perception of both body and spirit. At first glance, the viewer is struck by the earthy brown tones of the figures? skin, which serve as the grounding element in the composition. The lines of their bodies intertwine, suggesting both individuality and unity. One figure wears a green shirt that dominates the central portion of the painting, contrasted by a pink sleeve and flowing shirt of the other figure. Their clothing is depicted in flat, unmodulated tones, emphasizing the sense of simplicity and directness rather than naturalistic detail. Despite this abstraction, the embrace feels powerful, immediate, and deeply human. The background, rendered in a gentle gradient of blues, suggests a sky-like openness, giving the figures space to exist as universal symbols of affection and humanity. At the bottom of the composition, a deep band of blue anchors the scene, functioning both as a visual foundation and as a symbolic ?shadow? that frames the connection above. This use of strong dividing color blocks creates a rhythm between solidity and openness, reinforcing the theme of balance between light and darkness. The most striking detail lies in the expressions and gestures of the figures. One face, depicted with minimal detail, reveals a broad, toothy smile. The golden-yellow teeth catch the eye, becoming an unexpected focal point of brightness amid the earthy tones. This sharp accent of light turns what might have been a shadowed face into one full of vitality and joy. The smile itself acts as the embodiment of ?light,? standing in contrast with the darker, almost silhouetted aspects of the figures. Their tightly clasped hands, overlapping and exaggerated, emphasize physical closeness while reinforcing the visual interplay of dark contours and lighter inner spaces.*** ABOUT THIS PAINTING **** TITLE: "The play of light and shadow"* ARTISTS: Oleksandr Gukalov* SIZE: 50x70 cm/19.68x27.55 inches'* MEDIUM: oil, canvas* HAND PAINTED: Original painting from our collection* CONDITION: we tried to convey the maximum information with the help of photos about this product About the artists: Alexander GukalovAfter graduating from Lviv Polytechnic, he was engaged in scientific work. In his free time, he studied the works of Plato, the poetry of the ancient East, and religious works. At this time, resistance to the routine of life and utilitarian science arose in him; he became interested in man and his secrets. Alexander decided to end his engineering career and become a humanitarian. Since 1990, he began to write and publish philosophical poems. Later he decided to devote himself to painting, a passion for which began during his years of study at the Lviv Polytechnic with caricatures and caricatures of classmates and teachers.Since 2017 he has been painting with oil paints. Alexander does not have a formal art education, but he is convinced that the craft and talent of an artist do not directly depend on professional education. The artist's works are characterized by completeness of composition and depth of meaning. He is not afraid to work with different themes, his paintings are true modern art that touches people. The artist?s portfolio includes landscapes and views of his favorite cities, portraits of pop stars, politicians, athletes, relatives, and animals. ?I draw a toga when I feel the need for it. Therefore, I cannot say that I work in some narrow direction. Rather, it is a call from the soul,? the artist says about himself.Exhibitions2011 ? Personal exhibition, Lutsk2011 ? Exhibition ?World of Jazz?, Lutsk2011 ? Exhibition Arts.in.ua, Kiev2012 ? Personal exhibition in the art cafe ?Apartment 35?, Lviv2012 ? Personal exhibition ?On the Waves of Dreams?, Lutsk2012 ? International exhibition ?Plain Air?, West Park Art Gallery, New York2012 ? International competition ?Peace, Time and People?, special medal of achievements St. Michael, New York2012 ? Exhibition of artists who were included in the K-Gallery catalogue, Kyiv2012 ? International exhibition-competition of contemporary art ?Ukrainian Art Week?, Kyiv2013 ? opening of a permanent exhibition and sale, Lutsk2013 ? Exhibition ?Spring Impressions? of the international art project ?Vicious Circle of Impressions?, Kiev2015 ? Personal exhibition, Lutsk2015 ? Ukrainian-Italian exhibition ?Single Space?, Kyiv2015 ? International art project ?New York ? Tokyo?, Tokyo2016 ? International art project ?Color in Motion?, New York Realism Gallery, first place and Gold medal in the category ?Impressionism?, New York2021 ? International exhibition ?Art Nest Paris?, Paris
Additional Information: Framing option available at extra cost. Feel free to inquire.
Reserve: $978.00
Shipping:Domestic: Flat-rate of $58.00 to anywhere within the contiguous U.S.International: Foreign shipping rates are determined by destination. International shipping may be subject to VAT. Combined shipping: Please ask about combined shipping for multiple lots before bidding.Location: This item ships from USA.
Your purchase is protected:
In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Chairish Auctions specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Chairish Auctions within 5 days of receiving the item. 
