More than 20 talented Bahraini and Arab artists came together to celebrate the kingdom’s rich cultural heritage through a diverse showcase of artistic expression.
The one-day exhibition, titled ‘Local Miniature’ was held at Juffair Square last night, and featured a variety of artworks, including water colour and oil paintings, cartoon-style illustrations, digital pieces and calligraphy.
The initiative was organised by a private firm that aims to provide local creatives with a platform to share their work.
The event also sought to encourage collaboration among emerging artists in an effort to preserve the kingdom’s culture and identity. Proceeds from the sale of the pieces will go to the participating artists – which included 17 women and six men.
“We wanted to create a platform where local artists could display their artwork and possibly sell it, helping them gain recognition and potentially earn a profit,” Hanan Saleh, owner of Top Right for Design and Support Services, the group behind the event, told the GDN.
“I also believe that by paying attention to the small details in each artist’s work and sharing them in a collaborative event, it tells a bigger story.”
Ms Saleh
Among the standout pieces was a vibrant oil painting capturing the serene shores of Eker, where elegant Bahraini flamingos wade gracefully through the shallow waters. These greater flamingos are a familiar sight along the kingdom’s coastline, especially during their seasonal migrations across the region.
Fatma Arafat Eker Shore painting
Also featured were captivating works by artist Salah Sayed, whose paintings act as visual time capsules. Through his brushstrokes, the island’s history, architecture, and culture come alive – revealing how beloved landmarks and neighbourhoods have transformed over the decades.
Many of Mr Sayed’s creations are rendered in rich, expressive oil paints, giving each piece a timeless depth and warmth. His pieces invited viewers to a journey between past and present, experiencing Bahrain through both nostalgia and artistry.
Other artworks celebrated traditional Bahraini crafts, such as palm-leaf weaving and age-old agricultural practices – skills and traditions that are slowly fading with time.
Artist Zainab AlMahdi’s artwork
“As time passes, people sometimes forget the true cultural identity and heritage of the kingdom,” Ms Saleh said. “Events like this help preserve our heritage while also allowing people to come together to support the artists by viewing and purchasing their work.”
She pointed out that most of the participating artists are women.
“We have 17 women and six men exhibiting their unique creations, carrying the kingdom’s artistic future forward,” she said.
- For more details, follow @local_miniatures on Instagram.
julia@gdnmedia.bh
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