Brother Mladen is asleep 1992

Alfred Freddy Krupa created this ink-on-paper artwork, "Brother Mladen is asleep," sometime after his birth in 1971. The intimate portrait offers us a glimpse into the artist's personal world, portraying his brother in a moment of repose. It's impossible to view this piece outside of the context of Krupa's experiences as a Croatian artist whose formative years were marked by the breakup of Yugoslavia and the ensuing conflicts. Growing up in a war-torn environment deeply influenced his artistic sensibility and choice of subject matter. His interest in Sumi-e, the Japanese ink wash painting, aligns with his desire for simple, immediate expression. The monochrome palette lends the work a somber, reflective mood, while the subject, his sleeping brother, evokes themes of vulnerability, intimacy, and the preciousness of peace amidst turmoil. Consider the emotional weight carried by such a simple, yet profound, portrayal of a loved one during uncertain times. This artwork is a quiet testament to the human capacity for resilience, love, and the search for tranquility in the face of adversity.