A live art event showcasing the works of creative talents in Bahrain was staged recently, shining a bright spotlight on the artistic movement in the kingdom.
Non-profit group Interaction Art Bahrain, set up three years ago to celebrate all forms of art including painting, poetry, photography, dance and more, brought together artists of different nationalities, who exhibited strokes of genius at the Swiss-Belresidences lobby in Juffair.
The scene was transformed into a ‘dynamic showcase of creativity and inspiration’, with Interaction Art’s members and guest artists displaying diverse expressions.
“The Interaction Art Community encourages anyone interested in sharing their talent, connecting with fellow creators and being part of a vibrant artistic movement to join their growing network,” a representative of the group said.
The Bahrain ‘department’, one of 30 worldwide, is part of International Action Art, a non-profit organisation founded in 2010 to promote cultural exchange, with its headquarters in Greece and more than 1,000 members worldwide. The Bahrain group has around 15 active members at present and is a community that freely helps artists connect, collaborate and develop their creative practices.
Bahraini artist and youngest member of the group Lulwa Al Hayki started her artistic journey four years ago and presented a unique oil painting of the award-winning American singer and songwriter Lana Del Ray – but with a Middle Eastern touch.
“I have painted the artist dressed in a Middle Eastern style, especially Iraqi, dipping into my maternal cultural heritage,” the 16-year-old, who learned a lot about painting from her maternal grandfather, told GDN.
“It was great fun painting alongside all these experienced artists. Interaction Art has been very supportive of my creative pursuits and I have done other events with them previously,” added the Al Hidd School student, who aspires to be a doctor or engineer, while also pursuing her love for art.
Filipina Imee La Victoria Pacheco, 40, who showcased a landscape, has participated in other events with Interaction Art before, but as a guest. This was her first event as a member and her first live art experience; she has been part of other art groups in the past.
“It took me a while to feel confident painting while people were watching but once I got into the process, there was no turning back,” said the freelance hospitality professional who has been living in Bahrain for eight years.
Ms Pacheco submitted the final piece inspired by the islands of Greece to be considered for the International Action Art Fair, set to be staged in Greece in November this year and hopes it would be selected. She believes Bahrain offers many opportunities for artists, something that is hard to come by in her hometown.
“I come from a family of artists back home and have loved the arts since I was 11 years old. However, over the years, I lost touch, but it was during the Covid-19 pandemic that I revived my passion. Right now, I’m in the process of exploring various styles, from acrylics to dot paintings and landscapes, and hope to find my niche,” she added.
Bahraini artist Rasha Al Naser has been a member of the local group since its inception. The 41-year-old from Muharraq painted a landscape during the event, which is one of her favourite themes to explore in addition to still life and Japanese anime.
“It’s been an enriching experience as a member of Interaction Art Bahrain and I really like how they communicate with artists and give us a creative platform,” said Ms Al Naser, who enjoys using watercolours, oil pastels, colour pencils and charcoal among other mediums.
“While this wasn’t my first live painting experience, I enjoyed it a lot. I’ve participated in other international art events with the group previously,” she added.
The creative has been teaching children art since 2018 and is also a certified art therapist and life coach.
melissa@gdnmedia.bh
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