In the Port

1997, oil on canvas, 150x90 cm /// The painter Nikolajs Krivošeins (1960) is a Latvian contemporary artist. In 1999, he graduated from the Painting Department of the Art Academy of Latvia and is a member of the Latvian Artists' Union. Krivošeins works in a variety of styles, ranging from realistic and figurative compositions to abstract ones. His abstract paintings are dominated by the aesthetics and emotional openness of color. At times, he shifts styles - after working in abstraction, he may return to more traditional forms, such as still life. The painting "In the Port" was created while Krivošeins was still in his fourth or fifth year at the academy. It draws inspiration from the eccentric Latvian painter Kārlis Padegs (1911–1940) and his work titled "Villains" ("Nelieši"). The piece is emotional and expressive, featuring robust human figures in the foreground. It includes symbolic and narrative contrasts, as well as variations in tonality - light areas blended with darker ones, and a variety of textures. In the background, behind the ships and heavy metal forms, a sunrise emerges. /// The artist's signature is located on the lower right side of the painting.