The Art of Sergey Polyakov: Blending Realism with Surrealism in Landscape and Urban Art

Sergey Polyakov’s oil paintings are distinguished by their deft balance of realism and abstraction, portraying a range of subjects from tranquil landscapes to the structured vibrancy of urban life. Polyakov’s unique ability to harness light and texture brings a certain surreal quality to his compositions, giving each work a quiet, reflective aura. While oil on canvas remains his primary medium, he also explores the textural possibilities of cardboard, a choice that aligns with his approach to blending traditional and contemporary styles.

Born in St. Petersburg and later relocating to Kiev, Polyakov honed his skills at the National Academy of Fine Arts and Architecture. His time in Kiev was marked by a commitment to his craft, participating in numerous exhibitions and plein-air sessions that broadened his perspective. Through these experiences, he developed a philosophical approach to his art, one centered on the joy of creation and the pursuit of artistic growth rather than commercial success. Polyakov summarizes this view in his own words:

"I like to paint both simple landscapes and complex genre paintings because each brings a different kind of inspiration. For me, success is not when a painting is sold at the highest price, but when I enjoy the process of creating it, am satisfied with the result, and can grow as an artist."

This philosophy underpins Polyakov’s work, which invites viewers into a world of introspection, subtle beauty, and emotional resonance.

Exploring Polyakov’s Artistic Voice

Each of Polyakov’s paintings is infused with a sense of calm reverie, whether he is capturing a sun-drenched meadow, a city street in the rain, or a quiet winter scene. His work embodies an emotional response to the natural and built environments, balancing detail with abstraction to create moments of stillness. Often, his compositions are sparsely populated, with only one or two distant figures adding an almost cinematic quality, lending depth and a narrative touch to the setting.

Polyakov’s palette is soft, often airy, with subtle shifts in tone that reveal a profound understanding of color and light. He frequently returns to natural landscapes, treating them as a source of meditative inspiration. A recurring motif in his work is the presence of magnolia blooms, a symbol of renewal and beauty, that appears across various paintings, adding a burst of pink or purple against more subdued backgrounds. 

The Power of Light and Atmosphere

Much like the Impressionists, Polyakov is captivated by the interplay of light and shadow, particularly at dawn and dusk. His plein-air experience, gained during his student years, is evident in these nuanced treatments of light. His landscapes exude a fresh, almost tactile quality, as though he were painting from life, capturing the subtle shifts in light as day turns to night. His close attention to natural lighting is a testament to his dedication to capturing fleeting moments and emotional resonance within his subjects.

In Magic at Dawn (2020), Polyakov introduces viewers to a dreamlike landscape suffused with a cool, blue haze, complemented by vivid magenta blooms floating through the air. This surreal composition invites the viewer into an immersive experience, as if they’re stepping into a three-dimensional scene. The subtle motion implied by the floating flowers enhances the scene’s ethereal quality, evoking the sensation of walking through an installation. The palette of blue tones conjures a quiet, snowy winter morning, with sunlight diffusing gently through clouds. Polyakov's depiction of winter landscapes—often viewed as bleak—is refreshing, giving viewers a rare glimpse of winter’s beauty and tranquility. The choice of magnolia blooms adds a vibrant contrast, making the scene feel both timeless and unexpectedly modern.

Genre Scenes with an Otherworldly Touch

While Polyakov is deeply rooted in landscape painting, he also brings a fresh perspective to genre scenes, including classic subjects like water lilies on a pond. In Magic of Reflection (2023), Polyakov revisits this theme with a contemporary twist, lending a sense of intimacy and subjectivity to a well-known motif. His depiction is soft and slightly distorted, with the water lilies bending around the canvas, creating a fishbowl effect that heightens the viewer's sense of immersion. The composition captures a delicate balance of light and shadow, emphasizing his mastery of atmospheric perspective.

On closer inspection, two quiet figures appear in the background, observing the pond alongside the viewer. This painting captures Polyakov’s recurring theme of solitude, presenting the figures as quiet observers rather than active participants in the scene. In Lilies in the Evening (2023), he revisits this scene at a later hour, using a smaller canvas to create an intimate, enclosed feeling, as though the viewer is at eye level with the lilies themselves.

Finding Beauty in Simplicity: Seascapes and Minimalism

Polyakov's fascination with simplicity is perhaps best exemplified in his seascapes. His painting Old Boat on the Shore (2023) is a serene yet slightly melancholic scene, showing a weathered boat resting quietly on the sand. With no other human presence, the painting suggests a narrative that remains hidden, leaving viewers to wonder about the boat's story. This work bridges his more surrealist pieces and minimalist landscapes, demonstrating his ability to imbue even the simplest of scenes with emotional resonance.

Seascapes are a recurring theme in Polyakov’s portfolio, a subject he approaches with both reverence and restraint. His careful composition and use of subdued colors reflect his belief in the beauty of minimalism, allowing viewers to focus on the subtle details that often go unnoticed.

Urban Landscapes with a Poetic Edge

Polyakov’s exploration of urban scenes is equally captivating, showcasing his ability to adapt his style to different environments. In Blue Evening (2022), he captures the moody ambiance of a rainy street, where car lights and the glow of a nearby pub add warmth to an otherwise cool palette. His portrayal of urban life carries a poetic melancholy, with scenes filled with movement and color yet tinged with introspection. Traffic lights and blurred car lines fill the scene, conveying a sense of motion and quiet isolation. The pub’s warm glow offers a hint of solace against the damp surroundings, contrasting with the somber blue tones that dominate the scene.

By juxtaposing bright and subdued colors, Polyakov adds layers of emotional complexity to his cityscapes. While his rural landscapes evoke peace, his urban scenes often delve into solitude and contemplation, presenting a nuanced portrait of life in bustling environments.

An Artist Committed to His Craft

Polyakov’s body of work is a testament to his dedication to the craft of painting. His pieces are held in private collections across Ukraine, Israel, the United States, Canada, and China, each a reflection of his distinctive approach to capturing the beauty of everyday moments. By skillfully blending realism with touches of surrealism, Polyakov invites viewers to experience the world through his eyes, offering a window into landscapes and cityscapes transformed by light, color, and emotion.

In an art world where trends can often overshadow individual style, Polyakov remains true to his vision. His works resonate with those who appreciate the balance between the ordinary and the extraordinary, reminding us that beauty lies in both simplicity and complexity. Through landscapes, urban scenes, and genre paintings, he continues to expand his portfolio, each piece an invitation to pause, reflect, and appreciate the subtle magic of the world around us.

Polyakov’s journey as an artist, from his early studies to his present work, is one of exploration and growth. As he continues to evolve, his paintings offer a rare blend of technical expertise and emotional depth, a fusion that underscores his commitment to capturing both the physical and metaphysical qualities of his subjects. With each brushstroke, Polyakov leaves an indelible mark, his work serving as a reminder that art’s true value lies in its ability to connect us to the world, one quiet scene at a time.

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