Talented Bahraini artists have created a number of colourful works inspired by the kingdom’s spectacular victory in the 26th Gulf Cup.
Bahrain recently defeated Oman 2-1 in the final of the major regional competition staged in Kuwait sparking jubilation and celebrations across the country by both citizens and expatriate residents alike. The country previously won the championship in the 2019 edition of the tournament.
National Art Council (NAC) member Shaikha Dwa bint Khalid Al Khalifa told the GDN that she was inspired to create her piece by the vast number of passionate fans who attended the games, igniting an incredible energy all around the island.
“I watched the match with my family, and it was heartwarming to see people of all ages come together, united by their love for the national team,” Shaikha Dwa told the GDN. “It was more than just a game; it was a shared moment of pride and celebration, as well as a few nervous moments, especially after falling a goal behind early on.”
The 37-year-old who has been creating art since childhood explained that her work was created digitally using the Procreate app, which she frequently uses to create designs. “The right side of the work represents Bahrain, with a Gulf Air plane and the Riffa Clock Tower while the left side, depicts Kuwait with its mascot, a camel named Haydo, telling the story of how fans united to accompany and support the team throughout the tournaments. It’s a testament to the spirit of community and loyalty.”
As a Bahraini, she noted, the result gave her great joy to not only see her team’s success but to celebrate it with her passion for art. “The positive energy across the island was contagious,” she said, highlighting the team’s determination, unity and incredible spirit. “Their impressive style of play and ability to perform as a group was not only inspiring but enjoyable for everyone watching.”
She also described art as a ‘boundless form of expression that transcends language’. “It tells stories, evokes emotions and allows viewers to interpret it in their unique way. Through art, I can capture narratives and feelings that words alone may struggle to convey,” she added.
Top Bahraini artist Abbas Almosawi also created a three-metre by three-metre painting of a nail-biting moment from the match, against a backdrop image of His Majesty King Hamad, illustrated in his signature colourful style.
The 72-year-old artist plans to exhibit the painting at the upcoming Saturday’s Farmers Market in Budaiya. He had also previously created a group painting of the entire team holding up the trophy, which will also be exhibited at the location, along with a new 3m x 2m painting of the current team, which is almost completed. Mr Al Mosawi, a well-known figure in Bahrain’s art heritage, plans to present signed prints of the new team painting to each member of the winning team too.
“I had a feeling the team would bring home the cup, even before they played the final. I am incredibly proud, as a Bahraini, and was overjoyed to see the kingdom come together to celebrate the victory.”
Ahmed Fuad created a digital illustration on his iPad to celebrate the kingdom’s accomplishment. “I prepared the artwork on the afternoon of the match day, because I was confident that our side would win the final,” he told the GDN. “The creation depicts Bahraini celebrations on the skyline of Kuwait, with the Bahrain flag in the background, as well as red and white fireworks.”
The 35-year-old said that he watched the match with his family. “It was nerve-racking,” he said, adding that after the squad conceded the first goal, he assured his family that they would come back. “The two goals scored within three minutes were amazing, and as a football enthusiast and a Real Madrid supporter, I can confidently say that it was the best comeback I‘ve ever seen.”
Mr Fuad’s digital illustration
Mr Fuad, who launched his Instagram art account The Thick Line in 2018, said that this piece ‘holds a special place in his heart’ among his roughly 500 artworks. “I posted it the moment the referee signalled the end of the match, marking one of the happiest moments of my life.”
The GDN reported yesterday that a total of BD1,206,000 was so far been raised for the kingdom’s senior men’s football national team and other sporting endeavours in appreciation of the recent title triumph.
His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, contributed BD200,000.
His Majesty King Hamad’s Personal Representative Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the King’s humanitarian work and youth affairs representative and Supreme Council for Youth and Sports (SCYS) chairman Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and SCYS first deputy chairman, General Sports Authority chairman, and Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC) president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa contributed BD100,000 each.
julia@gdnmedia.bh
naman@gdnmedia.bh
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