Thirty-two artists from Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are showcasing their work in an exhibition celebrating the two countries’ shared cultural heritage and marking Saudi Arabia’s 96th National Day.
Entitled ‘Paradise’, the event opened yesterday at Moonlight Gallery in Sitra and is organised by artist Muneera Rabeea in collaboration with the Capital Trustees Board.
It features a range of artistic styles and mediums, from surrealist and abstract paintings to acrylic and oil works.
As part of the event, a lecture will also be held at the gallery tomorrow by Bahraini artist and historian Mahmood Al Baqlawa, exploring the ancient figures of Ziusudra and Gilgamesh and their links to the Dilmun civilisation, one of the region’s most influential ancient civilisations, with Bahrain recognised as its central site.
The lecture will examine the evolution of the name and pronunciation of Dilmun throughout history, as recorded in pictographic and cuneiform writings in the Sumerian, Akkadian, Babylonian and Assyrian languages.
Among the participating artists is Dr Najah Rabeea, who holds a master’s degree in visual arts and has created a surrealist work using oil paints depicting the legend of Dilmun and Enki.
“Enki is the ancient Sumerian god of water, wisdom and creation who turned the land of Dilmun into a paradise,” she told the GDN. “Dilmun (Bahrain and the surrounding region) was imagined as a pure, clean and bright holy land.”
Dr Rabeea said she was honoured to exhibit her work alongside artists from Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
“My participation in this exhibition reflects my loyalty to my country’s leadership – specifically our commitment to rallying around our leaders – and demonstrates to the outside world that the people of the Arab Gulf states stand united as one body,” Ms Rabeea said. “As artists, we can harness our creative work to embody this bond.”
Her interest in art began in childhood when she watched her uncle, an artist and art teacher, at work.
“I grew up in my grandmother’s house in Sitra, where I would often use my uncle’s art supplies to try my hand at drawing,” she said, adding that her passion for colour developed gradually.
After finishing school, Dr Rabeea received a scholarship to study art in Egypt, where she later worked as a senior art teacher, while also taking part in numerous exhibitions in Bahrain and abroad.
Adding a Saudi perspective to the exhibition is 37-year-old artist Abdullah Aldhamin from Tarout Island, whose contemporary abstract work reflects the close ties between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
“The gold square with few green touches represents Saudi Arabia, especially the area where I live which has both desert and farms,” he explained. “The circle represents Bahrain, which is known for its pearls throughout history.”
Mr Aldhamin created the piece using acrylic paint, brushes and palette knives to add texture and detail.
“It is a huge opportunity to be part of this event,” he said. “It really means a lot to me to show my own style and skills alongside famous artists.”
His interest in art began in 2016 when he started studying art at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Before that, he was more interested in other creative fields, including music and poetry.
The exhibition runs until Wednesday, with the lecture scheduled for tomorrow at 7.30pm.
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