ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Ali Eyal's 'Imagine, all this happened just an hour ago' at François Ghebaly explores diasporic memory in dreamscapes.

exhibition · 2026-04-22

At François Ghebaly's gallery in downtown Manhattan, Ali Eyal showcases his exhibition 'Imagine, all this happened just an hour ago,' featuring a blend of paintings and drawings that intertwine dreams and memories through a unique visual style. The Los Angeles-based artist, originally from Iraq, crafts cinematic imagery populated with chunky figures and earthy tan tones, reflecting the complexities of diaspora. Notable pieces include 'Could you please paint this?' (2025), which illustrates chaotic interiors with melting eyes, and 'The road to an unknown hand' (2024), depicting swirling forms and dark planes. Eyal's dynamic brushwork evokes a range of emotions, with autobiographical hints like car symbols linked to his father's wartime disappearance. This exhibition is open until 31 January 2026.

Key facts

  • Exhibition title: 'Imagine, all this happened just an hour ago'
  • Artist: Ali Eyal
  • Gallery: François Ghebaly
  • Location: Downtown Manhattan, New York
  • Dates: Runs until 31 January 2026
  • Mediums: Paintings and pencil/ink drawings
  • Notable works: 'Could you please paint this?' (2025), 'The road to an unknown hand' (2024)
  • Style: Cinematic, grotesque, earthy color palette, chunky figures

Entities

Artists

  • Ali Eyal
  • Philip Guston

Institutions

  • François Ghebaly

Locations

  • New York
  • United States
  • Manhattan
  • Los Angeles
  • Iraq

Sources