ARTISTS from across the kingdom are showcasing their work in an exhibition in Amwaj Islands to raise awareness about autism as well as funds to help support autistic artists.
The Art for Autism event features more than 100 pieces donated by 33 artists in a wide range of styles including scenic, pop and immersive.
All funds raised from the sales will go towards purchasing art supplies needed for autistic students throughout the upcoming year in an event supported by Rotaract Bahrain, in partnership with Rotary Club of Manama, The Lagoon, Amwaj Islands and Marjan Space.
“To support the mental, emotional and physical health of our autistic brothers and sisters, Rotaract has donated BD2,500 towards a year of art classes,” said Rotaract Bahrain events director Mohamed Allengawi.
“However, to cover the cost of the supplies needed for those classes, this project came into effect.
“Aside from raising awareness and funds for the betterment of the autistic community, we also wanted to provide a platform for upcoming and well-established local artists to showcase their work and create artistic awareness in a Covid-19 safe environment.”
The exhibition continues live until tomorrow before it continues online but the event opened in style with an inauguration by Rotary District governor Dr Mazen Al Umran on April 24, featuring a live art display by Bahraini autistic artist Hussain Al Haji and musical performances by Dr Hazem Al Rawas and Ahmed Salah.
More than 320 art lovers attended the event located at The Lagoon during the opening week.
The artists involved included Alema Ebrahim Al Mosawi, Hussain Isa Yaqoub, Salwa Al Moayyed, Abbas Al Mosawi, Abdulrazak Hamouda, Mahmood Al Mulla, Shaheera Zainal, Alexandra Novik, Anastasia Sfeir, Atifa A H Zainal, Dana Al Janahi, Irina Kotova, Kawther Marhoon, Madhumika Sankar, Nawal Mohamed Kamal, Sarah Aradi, Sharanya Anand, Siddharth Anand, Haneen Akbari and Ali Zainal.
Other artists involved included Seema Baqi, Mahmood Fakhrawi, Mive Hojageldiyeva, Julija Vasiliauskaite, Fuad Shirazi, Sariya Sayyar, Jawaher AlRowaiei, Dr Muna Al Kuwary, Dr Hannan Al Marafie, Hanah Maria, Yara Tariq Al Murbati, Jesus Ramos Tejada, Dr Nada Alansari, Nada Kareem, and Madhu Sarda and her daughters, both students at St Christopher’s School.
Adventurer and author Ms Sarda, 43, featured two pieces. Her daughter Sejal, 17, showcased two and Sumedha, 13, displayed one. They used acrylic, resin, emboss, mixed media and neon colours for their artworks.
“This event is important because it’s bringing different artists together for a unified vision to support Rotaract in this wonderful concept,” said Ms Sarda.
“Also, many autistic individuals are taking part and displaying their artwork so sharing this platform with them is wonderful.
“I always believe they have a sixth sense. Their perception of things and colours is unique. It’s like some rainbow hidden in them which everyone cannot see ... not immediately at least.
“So any art lovers and curators should visit the exhibition to not only show their support but also to admire the variety of artworks on display.”
Autism is a lifelong, non-progressive neurological disorder typically appearing before the age of three years. The word ‘autism’ means a developmental disability significantly affecting verbal and non-verbal communication and social interaction.
The exhibit will remain open every day from 8.30pm to midnight until Saturday. If you miss it, then check it out on the eGallery which will also go live at 1pm on Saturday on www.rotaractbh.org for a limited time.
mai.alkhatib@gulfweekly.com
&uuid=(email))