A PHOTO exhibition underlining the importance of environmental sustainability is now open to the public until Tuesday.
The Bahrain Photo Club’s (BPC) annual exhibition – themed ‘Life on this Earth’ – features 36 pieces by 18 photographers from across the kingdom. It is being held at the Bahrain Arts Society premises in Budaiya.
The BPC, which operates under the umbrella of the Bahrain Arts Society, inaugurated the exhibition on Sunday under the patronage of Northern Governor Ali Al Asfoor.
“Believing in the message of art in life and accompanying change, 18 photographers are presenting their photographs,” said Bahrain Arts Society president Shaikha Hanan bint Hassan Al Khalifa.
“They aim to highlight some of the sustainability objectives to promote awareness and balance in economic, social and environmental development.”
This year’s exhibition elevates the importance of conservation and optimal use of natural resources, especially within the scope of His Majesty King Hamad’s Vision 2030 for the economic development of the kingdom.
The expo was inspired by a quote by renowned Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish – “We have on this earth that which makes life worth living.”
Each photographer picked one of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) to highlight in their project.
Nader AlBazzaz outlined the role of education and its pivotal role in sustainable development in his photograph.
“As a teacher, every day I witness education being the primary driver in the development of society and one of the strongest means to reduce widespread poverty and ignorance,” he said.
“My photographic work aims to encapsulate some of that hope and potential.”
Meanwhile, Sawsan Taher focused on clean water and sanitisation, while Fadel Alshoubaki took a closer look at the intersection of old and new cities.
“The development of cities is linked to social, economic and environmental development,” he said. “This is what we are witnessing in the urban boom in Bahrain, which indicates its desire to keep pace with modern cities internationally and preserve some of its beautiful heritage.”
Sebahat Koksal Isik’s piece ‘Growth is inevitable’ questions the balance between development and sustainability.
Meanwhile, Asma Murad takes a look at modern cities through the lens of a child, focusing on the SDG elevating inclusivity, safety, resilience and sustainability in urban communities.
Asked about her photograph, ‘Tiny Gardens’, she quoted an African proverb, “The child who is not embraced by the village will one day burn it down to feel its warmth.”
She added that her photos reflect how the heritage site at the Bahrain Pearling Path in Muharraq honours and preserves the culture of Bahrain’s people.
The exhibition runs from 9am to 1pm and 4pm to 8pm, every day.
naman@gulfweekly.com
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