Bahraini artist Fatma Arafat showcased three striking artworks at an exhibition celebrating the kingdom’s rich cultural identity, traditional crafts, fashion, nature and professions.
The Paradise Two Art Exhibition has officially opened at Safeya Ali Kanoo Club under the patronage of Ahlia University founding president and board of trustees chairman Dr Abdulla Al Hawaj and will continue throughout the Eid holiday.
Featuring works by distinguished Bahraini artists, the exhibition presents a diverse collection of artistic expressions honouring the kingdom’s heritage while embracing contemporary perspectives.
Ms Arafat, 41, from Demistan, who retired from the Education Ministry after more than 12 years as an art teacher, unveiled three acrylic-on-canvas paintings inspired by Bahrain’s identity and natural beauty.
Her first work, Pearl – Al Bahrain, captures the spirit of the kingdom through the pearl – a symbol long associated with purity, strength and femininity. “The pearl is essential when speaking about Bahrain’s identity,” Ms Arafat, who holds a Bachelor’s degree in Art Education from the University of Bahrain, told the GDN.
Pearl – Al Bahrain
“The piece features a female profile whose flowing hair blends seamlessly into the horizon, symbolising the connection between womanhood, the sea and Bahrain’s pearling heritage.
“Shades of red and orange reflect the kingdom’s sunset, while scattered pearls across the water represent dreams and eternal beauty.”
Historically, Bahraini pearls formed the backbone of the island’s economy and were among the world’s most coveted luxury commodities. Unlike cultured pearls, which are shaped through human intervention, Bahraini pearls are created naturally over time through the interaction of tide, living organisms and chance.
Bahrain’s pearling tradition dates back thousands of years and remains deeply woven into the cultural fabric of the kingdom. In the world of fine jewellery, where authenticity and legacy are highly valued, the provenance of a pearl carries immense significance.
Even today, Bahraini pearls continue to symbolise timeless elegance on the global stage, with Catherine, Princess of Wales having been seen wearing Bahraini pearls from the British royal collection on several royal occasions.
Ms Arafat’s second painting, Bride of Bahrain, portrays the Bahraini woman as an eternal bride – a symbol of beauty and cultural memory. “The work features a female face adorned in a red garment richly-decorated with golden floral motifs, alongside a veil with ornaments and chains inspired by traditional Bahraini attire,” she explained.
Bride of Bahrain
“The background incorporates elements of Bahrain’s landscape, including palm trees, desert tones and heritage architecture.”
Her third piece, Pink Dream Karzakan Forest, transforms Bahrain’s natural scenery into a poetic dreamscape filled with shades of pink and red, inspired by the beauty of the unique natural landscape.
“Two faces emerge within the composition, facing one another in a silent dialogue,” she said. “Their features blend seamlessly with the surrounding trees, highlighting the deep connection between people and nature.”
She described the forest as more than a physical setting, but ‘a stage for inner vision – a pink dreamscape where the spirit of Bahrain is reimagined through colour and form’.
Ms Arafat brings more than 20 years of experience in painting and fine arts and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Fine Arts at the Royal University for Women.
Ms Arafat
Over the years, she has taken part in numerous exhibitions across Bahrain, including showcases at the University of Bahrain and the Bahrain Garden Club, in addition to exhibitions in Saudi Arabia and Dubai.
n The exhibition is open to visitors throughout the Eid holiday at Safeya Ali Kanoo Hub in Tubli.
julia@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))