The vibrant culture and heritage of the kingdom’s Old Manama Suq is being brought to life through a stunning collection of 30 colourful art pieces.
The exhibition, titled ‘Manama Suq’ by Bahraini artist Ebrahim Al Ghanim captures the daily life, heritage and charm of one of the country’s most iconic landmarks.
Held under the patronage of Shaikha Dwa bint Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, a member of the National Council for Arts, the event will run until November 27 at H. Art Gallery, Harbour Row.
Driven by a deep passion to preserve cultural identity and inspired by his fond memories of his childhood in Bahrain, Mr Al Ghanim hopes his work will serve as a lasting tribute to the nation’s heritage.
“The watercolour collection reflects years of observing and documenting the suq’s alleyways, cafes, shops and timeless character,” the retired Education Ministry art teacher told the GDN. “I would often wander through the market, sketchbook or camera in hand, capturing scenes that I later transformed into vibrant paintings.
“Many of these works blend memory and imagination, allowing me to portray those moments with authenticity and emotion.”
The colourful paintings depict locals strolling through narrow streets in traditional dress, relaxing in old cafés and capturing the beauty of Bahrain’s natural landscape.
The 56-year-old, who has had a passion for the arts since he was a child, said he aims for the exhibition to help younger Bahrainis reconnect with their roots and document important images from historic landmarks like the suq.
“Sadly, the younger generations have not experienced the suq as we once did,” he explained. “Many of the well-known shops and streets have disappeared over time or are not the same as they once were. Through my paintings, I hope to bring that history to life and inspire appreciation for our rich culture and daily life.”
The artist was also inspired to revisit the suq following a tragic fire last year that claimed the lives of three people, injured nine others, destroyed 15 shops and affected more than 50 others.
Reflecting on his childhood in the coastal village of Barbar, Mr Al Ghanim said these early years shaped his imagination. “My upbringing was surrounded by nature and the sea,” he recalled. “Bahrain had a lot of greenery, something we do not see much of anymore. Even these memories I recall from my childhood can inspire a scene that I bring to life on canvas.”
He believes that revisiting memories through painting serves as a form of documentation. “Many people forget the history and atmosphere of the suq and other important landmarks,” he explained. “By bringing these memories to life, I hope future generations can look back and appreciate the beauty of Bahraini culture.
“In today’s fast-paced digital age, preserving these images feels more important than ever.”
The artist previously held a similar exhibition in 2022, which was a major success. Encouraged by the gallery owner, he decided to host this follow-up collection.
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