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An artistic ‘wave’ is set to sweep Bahrain this weekend as 12 creatives showcase their imaginative interpretations of summer heat and cultural fusion at a major exhibition.
The event, titled Heatwave Visions, featuring vibrant paintings and striking sculptures, starts today.
Organised by Filipino Creatives Bahrain, the expo is being held under the auspices of the Philippine Embassy, and aims to foster a deeper appreciation for art and culture within the community.
Artist Lanne ‘Lhanz’ Cabaraca, 45, will showcase a painting entitled ‘Sunset Blaze’, created using acrylic on canvas. The work, inspired by ‘heatwave’, captures the vibrant energy of a sunlit seascape, full of warm colours like yellow, flashy orange and red.
Lhanz’s sunlit seascape
“It symbolises the intensity of summer and the invigorating feelings that come with warmth and brightness,” the Diraz resident told the GDN.
“The inspiration came from my experiences in Bahrain during the peak summer months.
“The theme resonates with me as it reflects the extremes of nature – the overwhelming power of the sun, and also its beauty and life-giving qualities.
“I aim to convey a sense of both comfort and discomfort in the piece, illustrating how heat can be both, a burden and a source of inspiration.”
Lhanz
Berna Carangan from Riffa, a third culture kid who grew up in the kingdom and attended the Philippine School Bahrain, will display a collection of works inspired by cultural fusion.
“I think all third-culture kids have asked themselves, ‘where do I fit’, at least once in their lives,” the 27-year-old said.
“We’re neither Filipino enough nor Bahraini enough. I grew up different from my peers in the Philippines,” the self-taught creative and professional architect added, nodding to her painting entitled ‘Where do I fit’.
Ms Carangan explores her transcultural identity in ‘Where do I fit’
Ms Carangan started pursuing her craft seriously around 10 years ago and believes that studying architecture has helped her hone her rendering techniques, colour theory and design principles.
Juffair-based Cris Escaros will also take part in the event with multiple displays, ‘Builder’ being his ‘best piece’. The 48cm x 48cm stone sculpture symbolises ‘unity and moving forward despite hurdles’.
“I am always inspired and challenged to create a piece out of scrap,” the 52-year-old said. “I am excited to see how my sculpture will evoke emotion in visitors and connect with people.”
Mr Escaros ‘Builder’
Mr Escaros will also exhibit a watercolour painting inspired by cultural fusion.
The freelance artist, who graduated with Fine Arts major in painting from EARIST University in the Philippines, believes that being an artist is ‘not just a career but a way of life’.
“Never be afraid to explore new possibilities and embrace the unexpected,” added the award-winning creative whose watercolour painting was selected from among the works of Filipino artists worldwide to be published on a calendar last year.
Mr Elago
Young artist Jasper Elago, who is pursuing an online education from AMA University in Quezon City in the Philippines, started entering art competitions at the tender age of seven. The self-taught talent will showcase two paintings, of which ‘Tayog at Lakas’ (Tagalog for ‘stature and strength’) is his favourite.
‘Tayog at Lakas’ exhibiting the colours of the Philippines’ flag
“This artwork depicts the formidable Philippine Eagle and was created using acrylic paints,” he explained.
“Red symbolises bravery and patriotism; blue stands for peace, truth and justice, and yellow is from the large yellow sun on the (Philippines) flag, symbolising freedom, unity, democracy and sovereignty; and although not very obvious, I also used white, which stands for equality.
“It represents the Filipino people’s perseverance and fortitude in facing challenges head-on and reaching their objectives, soaring like eagles in the face of hardship.”
The 17-year-old describes his artistic process as that of a ‘jazz player’.
“When I make a mistake, I usually improvise or come up with something entirely new,” he added.
Heatwave Visions will run until Thursday on the first floor of the East wing at Thai Mart in Diyar Al Muharraq.
melissa@gdnmedia.bh
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