Bahrain’s beloved 3D artist duo is paying a tribute to the kingdom with a new creation depicting the country as ‘safe’ amid the uncertainty of the ongoing Iranian attacks.
Indian expatriates Limnesh Augustine and Jincy Babu’s artwork is around four metres in width and three metres in height, and brings alive a wall at their home in Seef District.
The married couple has previously participated in several international art events, including collaborations with the United Nations for more than a decade. Additionally, the duo holds the 2012 Guinness World Record for the world’s largest 3D anamorphic painting, measuring 2,294sqm.
Their latest artwork, designed using gouache and carbon dioxide-absorption paints, reflects elements of the current situation, including drone attacks, interceptions and the spirit of the community.
“The painting moves from left to right, with the left area being the zone of conflict,” Ms Babu told the GDN. “Even the climate, like the sea, if you see, is turbulent. There are drones, which have caught fire.
“The middle part is the strongest. It is like the technological shield. There is a hexagonal honeycomb grid, which is shielding people’s lives and everything from the left area. There are human guardians that represent Bahrain’s defence forces monitoring the drones, intercepting them and protecting the community.
“The right side is the fruit of peace. Everyone is happy. There is human connection where people are interacting and smiling, and going about their normal activities. Technically, it is like a cause and effect painting,” added the 33-year-old art educator.
Elaborating on the creative process, the pair explained that the artwork started as a sketch as the various elements were planned out. After this, they used virtual reality (VR) to create a reference image based on their sketch. The final painting, however, evolved ‘on the go’ and had to be tweaked to accommodate the requirements of a 3D wall and floor painting.
The sketch took about four days as they had to integrate it to VR and the painting process took nine days to complete.
The long-term Bahrain residents highlighted that working on the piece was a way to express their gratitude to the country that has given them so much.
“Bahrain is our home and this is where we choose to be despite the situation,” she added, highlighting that they are eager to help the community in any way they can.
Mr Augustine, who works for Gulf Business Machines Bahrain, has registered with local voluntary groups, ready to help with data-based assistance.
Ms Babu, who runs an art institute, hopes to create more paintings with her husband to inspire people during this challenging time.
The latest piece was also a way for the pair to honour artist friends around the world, who have been impacted by the US-Israel and Iranian conflict.
“Most of them are professional painters and due to the current issues and subsequent petrol price hike, their projects are getting cancelled. Some are injured but still taking up projects because they are worried they might not get an assignment in the following month.
“Even though Bahrain, as part of the region, is in the middle of things, so to speak, we are not facing these issues. We are safe and living our daily lives, which we must be thankful for,” Mr Augustine, an electronics and communications engineer, noted.
He recounted that while there was concern and confusion over what was happening initially, they have remained in a ‘good space’ throughout the Iranian attacks that began over a month ago. “We are both taking some courses remotely and had our exams as well, which we did well in,” Mr Augustine said.
He is studying to get his postgraduate diploma in quantum mechanics and quantum communication from Indian Institute of Technology Delhi. Ms Babu is pursuing her Master’s in sociology and political science from Manipal University.
The 43-year-old explained that the statistics published online by the civil and defence authorities, including the number of interceptions, has helped them calm down. “We feel protected and know things are being taken care of,” he added.
Expressing gratitude, the creative talents, who live with their pet cockatiel, revealed that they will produce more paintings reflecting the theme and spreading hope.
For now, they are overwhelmed by the love they have received for their latest painting. Friends and colleagues have been visiting their home to see the artwork and engage with it
“We are now adding interactive elements to it for the children, who are inspired and want to pose with the artwork,” Ms Babu remarked, adding that their home is open to all those who want to view the creation.
melissa@gdnmedia.bh
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