Tangier — A painting from a city never visited

A Place for the Painting's Story.

This painting depicts a city I have never visited — Tangier. I've been many places, but somehow always missed Tangier. Yet this gives me an advantage: because I’ve never been to Tangier, I carry no preconceived notions about it.

- Anatoli Gostev Jr.

Inspiration Behind the Painting.

Some time ago, I watched Jim Jarmusch’s film "Only Lovers Left Alive", which features scenes of Tangier at night, and I thought: why not paint Tangier by day? I began reflecting on this fascinating city, inspired by the movie. I realized that this city is mysterious, beautiful, filled with exotic African nature — all of which opened the path to Fauvism. Fauvism (from the French word "fauves", meaning “wild beasts”) allows me to depict exotic trees in wild, vibrant, almost crazy colors. Of course, one could try painting Siber or the Tundra, but I chose Africa — and I chose Tangier.

The Composition of the Painting "Tangier".

So, I begin building the composition, focusing on the part that interests me most — a fountain where one can cool off, quench thirst, and continue walking through this amazing city. I draw lines that lead toward this source: a tree, the left side, rooftops — everything contributes to this central element.

I place no importance on the figures in this painting. Removing narrative from art is actually good advice for beginners and even for experienced artists who want to tell a story or develop a plot. There's a great example: we all know Surikov’s painting "Morning of the Streltsy Execution", where the narrative is obvious. Benois once said of it that it’s a terrible tragedy of Peter’s era. But Van Gogh’s "Old Shoes" holds even more tragedy.

Narrative in painting isn’t really necessary — let everyone see their own story. So, the people in this painting are just parts of the composition. One figure turns against the flow; lovingly, I think of my stepsister living near Tangier. Suddenly she stops, turns to the viewer, trying to say something. What exactly — doesn't matter.

Beauty of Tangier as the Purpose of the Painting.

There is no plot here. I simply wanted to show this sun-drenched city full of contrasts, vivid colors, exotic plants — a city that is simply beautiful. The purpose of this painting is to show the beauty of Tangier, nothing more. For me, the entire so-called meaning of painting lies in being beautiful, transmitting positive emotions, sparking interest in the viewer, and most importantly — being a piece you can live with.

When I create this painting, I pour onto the canvas my reflections, emotions, and vision of Tangier, as well as how I see my sister walking away from the fountain. A thoughtful, discerning viewer will feel this and be moved by the beauty of my thoughts. That’s precisely the essence of artistic craft — to pack genuine, pure emotions into this visual jar. These are all elements of one game: composition, color, reflection. And if this combination works, then some moment in the life of the viewer or owner will become as beautiful as Tangier.

Signature.

The painting is signed on the back — "Tangier", dated 2025, with signature and official dynasty seal.

Auction Experiment.

The painting "Tangier" is offered at auction, with updated photographs during its creation process, under the following rules:

• An auction participant may offer a price for the painting at any stage of its creation.
• The artist determines and adjusts the reserve price up or down.
• The recommended price set by the artist is 10.000 - 30.000 USD.

Thus, the auction price of the painting continuously fluctuates upward or downward at the artist’s discretion.

A potential buyer has the opportunity to contact the artist directly and propose their own price.