Painted in 1987, just one year before his passing, the present work by Fadi Barrage presents a striking juxtaposition of light and dark paint, dramatically dividing the canvas into two contrasting halves. The tension-filled contrast evokes a sense of duality, inviting both presence and absence as thematic considerations. This mature work encapsulates Barrage’s enduring quest to express profound emotional and existential themes.

Fadi Barrage (Lebanese, b. 1940 - d. 1988) played a significant role in Beirut's burgeoning art scene from the late 1960s to the 1980s. Educated in the United States at Chicago University and the Art Institute of Chicago (1960-1964), he later moved to Paris before returning to Lebanon, where he actively engaged in the local and international art community with exhibitions in Lebanon, France, Saudi Arabia, Tokyo, and Jordan. His artistic endeavours were widely recognized at the Contemporary Lebanese Artists exhibition in London's Kufa Gallery in 1988.

Barrage's style, influenced by an eclectic mix of naturalism, impressionism, abstract expressionism, and cubism, reflects his interests in ancient languages, literature, science, and admiration for Paul Klee. His work often blurs the lines between realism and abstraction. The Lebanese Civil War posed significant challenges for Barrage, destroying his Beirut studio and many of his works. Despite these hardships, he continued his artistic pursuits while living in various countries, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of his creative spirit.