AN exhibition will shine the spotlight on pioneers of Bahraini art who have inspired the young and left an indelible mark in the country’s history.
The event showcasing the spectacular works and contributions of 12 late Bahraini masters opens today at Bahrain Contemporary Art Association (BCAA) in Juffair.
Pioneers of Art is being organised by BCAA under the patronage of National Council for Arts chairman Shaikh Rashid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa.
“The exhibition aims to highlight the most iconic works of veteran Bahraini artists by showcasing their styles since the beginning of their art journeys,” association chairman Khalil Almadhoon told the GDN. “This will immortalise their memories, and young artists will also get to know more about their iconic works.”
Artists who are being featured include Ishaq Khonji, Ahmed Al Sunni, Rashid Al Oraifi, Abbas Al Mahroos, Hussain Al Sunni, Abdul Karim AlBosta, Abdul Monem AlBosta, Yousif Qassim, Rashed Swar, Nasser Al Yousif, Aziz Zubari and Ahmed Baqer.
Mr Al Oraifi was the first Bahraini artist to host his own exhibition in the country. He was also represented in an Arab art show in 1966 and ‘67.
He founded the Bahrain Contemporary Art Association in 1970, serving as its first president.
“All the paintings featured at the expo are original and have not been used or sold in any previous art galleries,” Mr Almadhoon said.
“A 90-year-old veteran artist and the association’s co-founder, Abdul Karim Al Orrayed, will also launch a book on the sidelines of this event besides showcasing his work at the exhibition alongside those of the pioneers.
“His book Bel Hebr Al Seeni, which roughly translates to By Chinese Ink, refers to several paintings he made during his artistic tours using the black Chinese ink.
“It talks about the artistic aspects, emphasising the significance of the pen to the artist even if it was a normal one, and the way he used his time to capture all the scenes across many years.
“We are excited about the exhibition which will allow the public to see various painting styles including realistic ones,” he added.
The showcase opens today at 11.30am, and will continue until October 18 from 9am to noon and 4.30pm to 8pm.
The association has been promoting the artistic movement since its establishment in 1970.
“We can see the Bahrain Contemporary Art Association present in all artistic fields, in Bahrain and abroad,” Mr Almadhoon said.
“It has a great tradition in the present and the past. It contains a group of distinguished artists of different ages, ranging between 18 and 90 years.
“The youngest members are college students while the oldest is Mr Al Orrayed, who is 90.
“The exhibition will contribute to reviving the national art pioneers’ memories while also offering a great learning opportunity for those interested in fine arts.
“Talented young artists can gather and discover more about the departed pioneers and their masterpieces.
“We encourage people from all walks of life to visit this exhibition and be a part of the fine arts movement.”
For more information contact: 32226693 – 17226693 or e-mail: info@bahrainartssociety.com
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