Lebanese-born artist Ali Cherri discusses his latest exhibition, "Last Watch Before Dawn," currently on view at Almine Rech in New York. The show centers on his new film, *The Sentinel* (2025), which explores the psychological and physical toll of military service through the figure of a French soldier. This exhibition marks a shift in Cherri’s practice, as he integrated the creation of sculptures and watercolors directly into the filmmaking process, allowing the gallery space to function as an extension of the cinematic set.
Cherri’s work is significant for its visceral exploration of how historical and political violence reshapes geography and the human body. A former Silver Lion winner at the Venice Biennale, Cherri continues to challenge viewers by resisting moral closure, instead focusing on the tactile nature of cultural memory. By presenting filmic objects as standalone sculptures, he invites the audience to navigate the "remains" of conflict, bridging the gap between moving images and physical artifacts.