Ali Cherri's 'Last Watch Before Dawn' at Almine Rech New York explores soldier psychology through sculpture and film

Ali Cherri presents his first exhibition at Almine Rech's New York space, titled 'Last Watch Before Dawn,' running until 26 February. The Lebanese artist, based in Paris, examines war through a soldier's internal perspective using diverse materials. Large clay sculptures depict life-size or larger-than-life figures, such as exhausted soldiers and a timid dog in 'Wake up Soldier, Open your Eyes' (2026). Oxidized bronze, steel, and wax wall sculptures from the 'Nocturnal Light' series (2025) feature sinister laughing masks that scrutinize viewers. A series of intimate watercolor drawings, 'To Save What Can Be Saved' (2025), shows soldiers in repose with diaristic rawness. The exhibition includes a large wood relief and a 29-minute film, 'The Sentinel' (2026), following an injured soldier who encounters sculptures and visits a bar named Les Survivants. A neon text sculpture, 'Les (Sur) Vivants' (2025), plays on French words for 'the living' and 'the survivors.' The works fill the gallery's large Tribeca space with absence and eeriness, exploring themes of duty, rest, and survival.