On behalf of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Shaikh Mohammed bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa launched the 52nd edition of the Bahrain Annual Fine Arts Exhibition yesterday at the Bahrain National Museum.
Shaikh Mohammed emphasised that art reflects identity and celebrates cultural diversity.
The continued growth of Bahrain’s art sector is driven by the steadfast support of His Majesty King Hamad and the directives of HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, he said.
Shaikh Mohammed highlighted the kingdom’s rich history of creativity and the talent of Bahraini artists, whose work is exhibited across the kingdom and the world, underscoring the positioning of the kingdom as a leading regional artistic hub.
He extended his best wishes to the participants of the exhibition, commending their vital role in advancing Bahrain’s artistic and cultural movement.
He toured the exhibition, viewing works by approximately 74 visual artists across a range of schools, styles, and mediums, including multimedia drawings, video installations, photography and sculpture.
Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (Baca) president Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, affirmed the kingdom’s commitment, under the leadership of the King and the directives of HRH Prince Salman, to prioritising support for cultural and artistic initiatives.
The Baca president emphasised their role in strengthening the kingdom’s regional and international standing as a centre for creativity and innovation.
Shaikh Khalifa expressed his gratitude to HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister for his patronage of the exhibition and extended his thanks to Shaikh Mohammed for the honour of inaugurating the exhibition.
He highlighted the exhibition as a key platform showcasing the kingdom’s vibrant arts scene and five decades of cultural and creative evolution, where traditional forms meet digital media.
He further noted that the exhibition represents the annual culmination of collaboration among emerging, contemporary and pioneering artists, celebrating artistic excellence, enriching Bahrain’s fine arts movement and reflecting the kingdom’s national identity.
During the opening ceremony, awards were presented to the winners of the exhibition.
The judges’ panel awarded the Al Dana Award to Abdul Jabbar Al Ghadhban.
The Al Riwaq Art Space’s ‘Nexus Program’ award was won by Khalid Waleed Al Abbas. Hussain Ali Isa won the RAK Art Foundation Award.
Furthermore, the judges’ panel awarded a special tribute to Camille Zakaria in recognition of his outstanding contributions to documenting architecture in the Gulf.
His ongoing artistic commitment has also contributed to supporting and enriching Bahrain’s cultural landscape.
The winners of the solo exhibition opportunities were also announced.
Dr Mayasa Al Suwaidi received the opportunity to host a solo exhibition presented by Folk Art Space, Ahmed Al Asad was awarded a solo exhibition presented by 56 Art Gallery, and Shaikha Rasha bint Salman Al Khalifa received the opportunity to host a solo exhibition presented by AlBareh Art Space.
The Bahrain Annual Fine Arts Exhibition is a distinguished annual event within Baca’s calendar of activities, featuring diverse styles of fine and visual arts in the kingdom since its establishment in 1972, embodying the richness and evolution of Bahrain’s artistic and cultural movement in each edition.
Several senior officials also attended the event.
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