Bahrain Comic Con’s Artists’ Alley features more than 60 creators this year and is, as usual, filled to the brim with colourful works, unique finds and merchandise with a local spin.
Offerings range from badges and medallions, to costume masks and fake swords, and even crocheted characters, stationery, and stunning one-of-a-kind original paintings.
Visitors yesterday flocked to artists who offered live drawing sessions and on-the-spot face painting, along with other custom handicrafts.
Among the talents was Sara Alsayegh, a university student with an inspiring story, who is hoping to launch her original sci-fi adventure comic later this year.
The young Bahraini studies 3D animation in ARTFX Schools of Digital Arts in France and told the GDN that selling art in conventions around the GCC has partially funded her education abroad.
“I participate in Comic Con to showcase my art. Basically, selling my art here helps me pay for my studies in France,” she said.
“As a part of my booth, I draw people, and any person can give me their picture and I can make a version of it in my own style. It’s fun to see people’s reactions to the art.”
While being interviewed, the animator-to-be made a drawing of the GDN reporter and photographer in her anime style.
She also spoke about an original comic she is working on which features characters Runa and Rambo, a girl and an alien who embark on an adventure in space.
Another artist, Bashayer Abdulla, runs a small sticker and graphic art business named Weirdo.
“I started my project in 2020 as I was wondering what to do after I graduate,” the 26-year-old said, adding that she received a law degree but was more passionate about art than her profession.
“Using programmes like Adobe Illustrator and Procreate, I make products aimed at children and youth. I’ve come a long way since the stickers, I now offer services like brand identity and product design,” she added.
Ms Abdulla includes a lot of nostalgia-inspired subjects like characters from old cartoons or Studio Ghibli films, and also more niche interests like K-pop.
Sharing a table with Ms Abdulla was multi-style artist Sara Mukhtar, who sells realistic digital paintings of characters from well-known franchises.
Meanwhile, 20-year-old university student Hessa Badow sells stationery which she designs herself, like washi tape, notepads, hand-painted tote bags and hand-decorated mugs.
“I started my art account, Oli’s Space, because I was looking for a shop that sells the same items that I’m making, but I couldn’t find them in Bahrain,” she told the GDN.
“So I decided to make it myself. I also wanted to make art accessible and affordable for everyone.”
The artists can be found on Instagram at @edenazuma, @weirdo.bahrain, @sara_artwork 17 and @olis.space respectively.
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