Mohannad Orabi (Syrian, b. 1977)

Mohannad Orabi's embellished figures emanate a childlike innocence that reflects his fascination with his childhood. In response to the changing mood and turmoil in the region, the vibrant colours and playfulness of his early work has gradually been replaced by an increasingly somber palette and expressive maturity. His figures that once possessed exaggerated features and bulky heads that were expressionless with hollowed almond-shaped eyes, have now become more defined, with eyes that are noticeably marked with sadness. His characters are no longer able to remain separated from the events unfolding around them. Instead they are now fully aware and firmly rooted in their tumultuous reality.