Art Bahrain Across Borders in Paris
For this Bahrain special edition dedicated to the artistic talent in the Kingdom – we showcase 17 Bahraini artists, amongst an exploration of Bahrain as the gulfs cultural capital. An exhibition showcasing these artists at the Grand Palais marks the launch of the first Bahrain Art Week (BAW) in Paris, with prior art weeks being held in London and Moscow, achieving great success.
144 pages – 23 x 30 cm – 590gr.
17 CONTEMPORARY BAHRAINIS ARTISTS
Artists of this maritime country exercise their talents in different styles, techniques and are interested in a wide range of thematics. Whether young or old, painter or digital artist, self-taught or university-educated, they are all influenced by the national ethos and are marked by the country’s history and recent dynamic developments. This impact expresses itself in different ways: for some, it’s the direct depiction of Bahraini nature and culture, for others, it has more to do with the national values. The Bahraini art community has its place both in the regional and international contexts: national artists participate in museum and gallery exhibitions across the globe, foreign artists, curators, and critics are coming to Bahrain to work and teach.
Putting cutting-edge technologies at the service of traditional Muslim culture, artists like Othman Khunji and Somaya Abdulghani aid to ameliorate the public perception of Islam. Folklore motifs dominate the artwork of Faika Al Hasan and Hala Kaiksow. Western-style abstract and figurative painting is represented by Balqees Fakhro, Sayed Hasan Al Sari, Jamal Abdul Rahim, Mayasa Al Sowaidi, Mohamed Al Mahdi, Omar Al Rashed and Salman AlNajem. The others, like Marwa Rashid Al Khalifa, Lulwa bint Abdulaziz Al Khalifa, and Nabeela Al Khayer reflect on the place of women in the rapidly changing Bahraini society and celebrate the femininity in a variety of its so often contradictory aspects and incarnations. Younger creators, such as Aysha Almoayyed and Rawan Al Hosani, testify about the problems, crises and even tragedies, each young person, regardless of religion and ethnicity, encounters in life. Some artists, like Dr Ahmed Ahmed, express nostalgia of a past, less tormented and conflicted Epoque in the Middle Eastern history.
Bahrain: An Art Scene Rising at the Crossroads of Cultures
The success of Bahrain at the Venice Biennale and London’s Shubbak Festival; its host of talented homegrown artists; and its up-and-coming local galleries only mark the beginning of this country’s arrival within a global arts context.
TamKeen on Bahrain’s Future
Semi-autonomous government agency Tamkeen is placing more attention on the cultural output of Bahraini nationals via the partnership with international art advisory company Art Select. Through a developing, global exhibition platform, the
Rising Art Fair Infiltrating the Global Market
ArtBAB spotlights contemporary Bahraini art on a global platform, strengthening ties between Bahrain and the international arts community. It continues to break boundaries and showcase the very best that the Kingdom has to offer regarding emerging and established artists.
“Empowering Bahraini artists” Interview with Sheikha Maram Al-Khalifa
Sheikha Maram bint Isa Al-Khalifa, member of the Bahraini royal family, holds multiple positions in the national government: she is Director of the Office of the King’s wife, Princess Sabeeka, Secretary General of the Consultative Council of the National Initiative for Agricultural Development, as well as ranking member of the Supreme Council for Women. She also takes care of Princess Sabeeka’s art patronage projects, among which “The Legacy and the Contemporary Memory”, the exhibition of Bahraini artists in the Grand Palais in Paris. On the eve of its opening, Sheikha Maram shared her thoughts on Bahrain’s cultural policies.
Bahraini artists in the Marais
Bahraini artists’ exhibition at the Grand Palais is followed by their show in the Rabouan Moussion gallery, one of the most prestigious art venues of the Marais district in Paris. Its co-director, Jacqueline Rabouan, explained, how does this project inscribe into her gallery’s strategy.
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