A number of talented artists have been presented with trophies, cash and valuable opportunities as part of the 52nd Bahrain Annual Fine Arts Exhibition.
This year’s edition of the showcase had new distinctions and prizes on offer from the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (Baca) and other art spaces.
Held at the Bahrain National Museum, the opening was attended by Shaikh Mohammed bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, on behalf of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
The prestigious Al Dana Prize was awarded to Abduljabbar Al Ghadhban, whose artwork titled ‘Suffering’, portrayed the harrowing conditions experienced by people in Gaza. It is the second time he has picked up the accolade.
Five art galleries presented prizes of their own: Al Riwaq Art Space awarded Khalid AlAbbas the Nexus Programme Prize. The RAK Art Foundation presented Hussain Ali with The Art Station Prize, a six-week art residency with a BD500 award.
Three artists were selected by three galleries to host solo exhibitions – Dr Mayasa Al Sowaidi at Folk Art Space, Ahmed Al Asad at Gallery56 and Shaikha Rasha bint Salman Al Khalifa at Albareh Art Space.
And, a special recognition was presented to photographer Camille Zakharia for his contributions in documenting architecture in the Gulf region, creating a visual archive and supporting the cultural scene in Bahrain.
The winners were chosen by a jury committee featuring Albareh Art Space founder Hayfa Al Jishi, Barjeel Art Foundation director Suheyla Takesh and Naqsh Art Studio director Dr Effat Fadag. The selection committee included curators Bader Al Saad, Melissa Enders and Ahmed Emam.
The 52nd Bahrain Annual Fine Arts Exhibition brought together 75 visual artists presenting diverse artistic experiences and varied visual approaches, reflecting a wide range of perspectives and styles.
Two-time Al Dana Prize winner Mr Al Ghadhban exhibited four paintings, portraying women and children holding empty pots, representing the people of Gaza living under attack and famine.
Combining painting and graphic art, a Baca statement described the pieces as ‘powerful’ in depicting the pain in the faces of Palestinians living under occupation.
Combining painting and graphic art, a Baca statement described the pieces as ‘powerful’ in depicting the pain on the faces of Palestinians living under occupation.
Mr Al Ghadhban had participated in the Bahrain Annual Fine Arts Exhibition’s very first edition in 1972, back when he was a student.
“These burdened expressions were not merely visual elements, but formed the core of the jury’s emotional response and highlighted the expressive strength and human dimension of the piece,” the statement read.
Mr Zakharia’s installation was composed of 90 photographs of colourful, ornamented metal-wrought doors ubiquitous in Bahrain and other Gulf countries. The images were edited to depict the doors as mirrored, appearing like a kaleidoscope.
- The exhibition will continue until April 19 welcoming visitors daily during official working hours. During Ramadan, the exhibition is open from 9am to 3pm, and 8pm to midnight from Sunday to Wednesday, and 8pm to 1am from Thursday to Saturday, and is closed on Tuesdays.
zainab@gdnmedia.bh
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