Siesta 2008

Andrey Remnev, born in 1962, made this painting, 'Siesta,' with oils, at an unknown date. Look at the texture. Remnev's got this super smooth surface going on, but then BAM! The fabric patterns, especially the fish, are almost graphic, creating a push and pull between realism and something more stylized. I mean, those aren't just any fish, right? They remind me of like, ancient Japanese prints or something. It's a total mix-up of styles and references. I'm drawn to the way light plays on the fabric, those gold highlights. It's like he's saying, "Hey, even in stillness, there's this shimmer of life." It kinda reminds me of Balthus, but maybe with a wink. He creates these dreamlike worlds, a little bit eerie but also kinda comforting, like a weird, beautiful nap.