Midnight Sun

"Midnight Sun" by Mikhail Larionov (1915) exemplifies his innovative approach to design within the realm of early 20th-century avant-garde art. As a set and costume designer for Léonide Massine’s ballet Soleil de Nuit, Larionov drew from his exploration of Naïve art (primitivism), emphasizing bold, simplified forms and vibrant colors. His work reflects a departure from traditional elegance, favoring a style that is raw and expressive—characteristic of Naïve art principles—yet infused with a modernist sense of creativity. Larionov’s design contributes significantly to the ballet’s visual impact, embodying a blend of Surrealism influences and primitive expressiveness that underscores his role as a pioneering figure in Russian avant-garde art.