Heat Wave, Côte d'Azur (2026)

Alex Nereuta’s Heat Wave, Côte d’Azur captures the sun-drenched atmosphere of a European summer on the French Riviera. A woman in a red-and-white striped swimsuit and wide-brimmed sun hat sits beneath two oversized white beach umbrellas, surrounded by endless shades of azure blue. Bold graphic shapes, fluid gestural lines and vibrant colour contrasts create a contemporary figurative painting that evokes the warmth, tranquility and effortless style of Mediterranean coastal living. Inspired by one of the longest and hottest summers on the Côte d’Azur, this original beach painting celebrates long, sun-filled days spent between early morning swims, Mediterranean beaches and the welcome shade of a parasol. Or sometimes two. Elegant beach clubs, striped swimwear, sun hats, handheld fans and endless blue horizons capture the atmosphere of European summer life. The woman's story remains deliberately ambiguous. Is she arriving or leaving? Waiting for someone or enjoying a rare moment alone? The composition invites you to imagine your own story, capturing the simple pleasure of doing absolutely nothing on a hot summer day. Created using acrylic, pastel and hand-painted paper collage on canvas, this original mixed-media painting explores the interplay of sunlight and shade, organic curves and bold graphic lines. Vivid red-orange stripes contrast with cool Mediterranean blues, celebrating the timeless beauty of French Riviera beach life, where the heat is relentless, the sea offers refuge and even a moment beneath a beach umbrella becomes unforgettable.