Louay Kayyali (Syrian, 1934-1978)

Syrian painter Louay Kayyali's early landscapes and architectural subjects were greatly inspired by his blissful days in Italy, principally Rome and Venice.
In his unique Fishermen's Huts, the artist successfully captures the peaceful, isolated nature of the fishermen's trade, an occupation he deeply respected which became a recurring theme in his body of work. Employing striking soft shades of light blue and white, Kayyali emphasises a sense of tranquillity that also captures the glittering moments of changing light.

The two modest huts are hovering above the calm waters, redolent of floating boats and by using a centrally-focused composition with the hut's symmetrical, distinct lines, the artist uses the perspective lines vertically and sideways to structure and balance the composition. This stunning work is filled with a sense of magical realism that had already become essential to the artist's style. The dominant blue of the palette recalls the light of the Venetian dawns that Kayyali had experienced first-hand revealing the poetic aspect of the artist's work.