Born in Syria in 1991, Anas Albraehe earned his BA in painting and drawing from the Damascus University of Fine Arts in Syria in 2014, followed by a Master's degree in Psychology and Art Therapy from the Lebanese University in 2015. Inspired by French artists such as Henri Matisse, the artist seems particularly drawn to subjects in states of sleep or rest, whether in groups or alone, often referring to the intimate lives of Syrian refugees. In his study of these subjects, Albraehe explores color theory in relation to psychology, as well as the gaze or lens through which we see the “other”. Albraehe has had several solo exhibitions in Beirut and Jordan, and has also participated in the Sharjah Biennale 2016-2017; he also participated in group exhibitions in Beirut and Bahrain.

This diptych shows two sleeping subjects which have been painted at different times of the day: morning and night. Albraehe seems to be studying how color can affect the interpretation of emotion in an artwork. The figure on the left is placed higher on the canvas which widens the space between the subject and the on-looker. This adds a layer of alienation and sadness to the work. 

In the piece, to the right, the subject lays in a warm and colorful setting. The artist leaves more room in the upper part of the canvas for a pink sky, which signals serenity and calm.

Both sleepers’ bodies curve with the hilly surface beneath them, rendering them part of the landscape.