More than 200 Bahrain-based artists have come together to display their striking creations, bringing alive diverse styles and inspirations as part of the Almasyaf exhibition.
The event, staged by the Bahrain Fine Arts Society in co-operation with the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (Baca), is the first edition of the Summer Showcase – ‘Almasyaf’ means ‘summer destination’.
Society president Shaikha Marwa bint Rashid Al Khalifa and Baca director general of culture and museums Farah Matar recently inaugurated the showcase at the museum’s Art Centre in Manama, in the presence of ambassadors, diplomats and other notable artists and members of the community.
Held as an Open Art Salon, the display is divided into themed halls and has been attracting enthusiasts from all over the kingdom to view the artworks and engage with the artists. The summer exhibition seeks to enrich artistic dialogue and consolidate cultural and creative industries as a hub for sustainable cultural development.
Additionally, a curated roster of artists across ages and backgrounds lends diversity to the visuals that are presented. Artists include Bahrainis and expatriates from neighbouring Saudi Arabia, Oman, Egypt, India, Russia, Iraq, Syria, Palestine and more.
Among the exhibitors is Bahraini artist Layla Al Bassam, who chose to submit her floral creation as it evokes the richness of spring and summer when everything is bright and colourful.
Ms Al Bassam
The local talent is also inspired by heritage crafts like pottery and traditional patterns. Some of her most popular creations are collages, however, she also works with acrylics and watercolours.
“This is my second exhibition and I am glad to be part of it. My first solo showcase was at the Bahrain Young Ladies Association (in Manama) four years ago. Currently, I am preparing for my next solo exhibition about Bahraini pottery in September,” added the septuagenarian from Manama.
“I started creating collages in 2019 during my recovery from illness. My art pieces and portraits utilise recyclable materials such as vintage manuscripts, maps and sketches, silver accessories, vintage carpets, fabrics and ceramic pieces. My other key artworks include women’s accessories and furniture adorned with original mashrabiya elements.”
Mr Al Khaja
Also participating in the above-18 category is Bahraini freelance illustrator Mahmood Al Khaja, who is exhibiting an acrylic on canvas piece, inspired by his childhood. Self-taught for the most part, he enjoys making portraits and is an alumnus of New York Institute of Technology in Bahrain (now defunct) specialising in computer graphic design.
Childhood Memories by Mr Al Khaja
“My childhood was centred around my family especially my mother and maternal grandmother, who inspired my love for art. In the painting, you can see storybooks that I collected as a child and wooden boxes that my mother and grandmother gifted me. The Teletubby actually belongs to my brother. I have blended traditional Khaliji (Gulf) and Western influences for this piece,” said the 39-year-old Manama resident, whose work typically blends anatomical and figurative art forms.
The kingdom has always been supportive of artists, staging many inclusive art events and initiatives that showcase both Bahraini and international talent.
Homemaker Dona Nipin, who started pursuing painting more actively after the Covid pandemic, has always found the art community here to be welcoming. She is exhibiting Night Suq, an acrylic on canvas creation, reflecting her interpretation of a busy Arabian market place.
Ms Nipin stands next to her creation with her husband at the event
“As an Indian artist living in Bahrain, I am honoured to represent our community. My artistic journey began as a child growing up in Calicut, India, inspired by my mother’s sketches and my own fascination with colours and storytelling. Although art has always been a part of my life, I began pursuing it more seriously recently,” the 39-year-old Riffa resident recounted.
She added that living in the UK for a while broadened her perspective and exposed her to new artistic influences and multicultural experiences. The artist has featured on various digital art platforms and is influenced by personal memories and emotions, intercultural connections, identity and the beauty of everyday life.
While the adult category comprises 168 artists, Almasyaf is also featuring an under-18 segment, in keeping with the Bahrain Fine Arts Society’s keen approach to diversity.
Among the younger artists is Lulwa Al Hayki from Muharraq. The 17-year-old is inspired by Middle Eastern influences, from Egyptian gold to Babylonian blue. The vibrant cobalt and lapis lazuli hues in her exhibits are reminiscent of the historic Ishtar Gate crafted by ancient Mesopotamian artisans around 575 BCE.
Ms Al Hayki with her ‘Arabian’ Lana Del Rey
A standout piece, according to the young artist, is her portrait of American singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey reinterpreted with an Arab touch.
“In the oil painting, the musician is seen wearing an abaya (head scarf), blending both cultures,” explained the youth director at a local art club.
She is deeply guided by her Iraqi roots and her mother and maternal grandfather – a prominent artist in Iraq – remain her strongest motivators. Over the years, she has developed her own style, which is a blend of realistic and abstract art forms.
Almasyaf will run daily until September 8 and will be open for viewing from 9am to 8pm at the Art Centre.
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