Bahrain-based educator Jess Tejada has made his community proud by showcasing a striking 3D wall art installation at the prestigious Bahrain Annual Fine Arts Exhibition.
Entitled ‘Somehow, Somewhere, I Will Conquer’, the artwork was shortlisted from nearly 300 submissions, making him possibly the first Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) to be selected in the exhibition’s five-decade history.
Now in its 52nd edition, the annual event is currently underway at the Bahrain National Museum.
It was inaugurated on February 15 by Shaikh Mohammed bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, on behalf of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (Baca) president Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa also attended the private VIP opening.
Established in 1972, the Bahrain Annual Fine Arts Exhibition is a distinguished annual event within Baca’s calendar of activities, featuring diverse styles of fine and visual arts. Each edition reflects the richness and evolution of the kingdom’s artistic movement, reinforcing Bahrain’s standing as a leading regional art hub.
This year’s event features works by around 74 visual artists, spanning various schools, styles and mediums, including multimedia drawings, video installations, photography and sculpture.
Among them is Mr Tejada, a visual arts teacher at an International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme school in Bahrain.
‘Somehow, Somewhere, I Will Conquer’ bursts to life in a vivid riot of colours and has been warmly received by art connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike.
While it’s reminiscent of his popular series ‘Iridescent Playground’, which also incorporated a unique blend of fluorescents, the new work stands apart as a fresh expression, underlining the artist’s versatility.
“My work is inspired from one’s journey towards the realisation of life,” the 43-year-old told the GDN.
“I took my own life story, connecting it to the rest of the OFW, especially those who have left their native land in search of greener pastures,” he added.
“It is a collage of colourful stories of every overseas worker, which can be considered as ‘million-dollar stories’ of hope, love and stoicism. It gets the spectators to confront ‘the other side’ of living overseas, which is not just luxuries but a journey of becoming with a purpose.”
Mr Tejada, who has been residing in Bahrain for more than 15 years, has always dipped into his identity as an OFW to bring alive his artworks.
The creative from Jeblat Habshi has lent a timely essence to his latest design, using plastic bags and discarded fabrics from various tailoring shops in Bahrain to symbolise ‘consumerism’.
Describing his creative process, he noted that he usually begins by making a rough draft of the concept and exhibition theme, if any.
He also tries to find ways to incorporate issues he is passionate about into his art and brainstorms the use of materials readily available around him.
The fine arts major had his first encounter with art during his elementary school years. “Our school in the Philippines offered an after-school art club through which I participated in many local and international art competitions. Eventually, it led me to pursue my passion,” he said.
“My artistic inclination was inspired by my elementary school art teacher, who is now based in Hawaii. She was the one who paved the way for me to develop a love for this field,” he revealed.
This year marked Mr Tejada’s sixth attempt to exhibit his work at the Annual Fine Arts Exhibition. Despite previous unsuccessful tries, he remained undeterred – a testament to his perseverance and deep passion for art.
Not one to rest on past laurels, the creative is also presenting some of his works at an art exhibition in Saudi Arabia followed by showcases in the UAE and the US.
“I am currently working on an art project, which will be created by some of the Filipino Overseas workers here in Bahrain and Saudi and it will be made into a collage to be presented to the Department of Migrant Workers in the Philippines,” revealed the artist, who has previously exhibited in Belgium, France, Japan, Kazakhstan and Thailand.
The Bahrain Annual Fine Arts Exhibition will run until May 16.
melissa@gdnmedia.bh
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