Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
Art lovers are flocking to Akkas Gallery in Saar to admire the colourful creations of Yemeni artist Hakim Al-Akel boasting vibrant hues and patterns depicting life from different perspectives.
The exhibition entitled ‘A Mantra for the Earth’ features 36 acrylic art pieces in different shapes and sizes.
More than 200 visitors have already attended the show including Shaikha Hala bint Mohammad Al Khalifa, the director general of the Culture and Arts Directorate at Bahrain Authority for Culture.
The 54-year-old artist, who had a solo exhibition in the kingdom in 2013, said: “It’s a pleasure showcasing my work and meeting Bahraini art lovers once again.”
The exhibition, which runs until Monday, features a colourful and visual expression of human behaviour in domestic settings executing everyday tasks or enjoying themselves in ordinary ways … seen from above or at an angle. It’s an imaginative take on popular Yemeni culture and modern life using exotic components in an artistic fusion of elements.
Hakim’s work aims to allow the viewer to see human activity in a different way with dramatic representations rendered in bold patterns of colour that accentuate the abstractness of the pieces.
His paintings are usually carefully composed from a bird’s eye view with constructed geometries and high-keyed palette juxtaposing warm tones with cool bits of other colours that aim to produce a visual vibration.
According to Hakim, cerulean blues are made brighter alongside flaming orange to create a sense of excitement. Radiant reds and lemony yellows, flesh tones and spring greens are also used to stunning effect.
His fluid combination of long and short, and thick and thin brushstrokes accentuates the characters in his paintings as well as making the finished pieces more appealing to the eye.
The father of six was born in Taiz and although he had a passion for art since his childhood, he found his voice after studying under renowned Yemeni artist Hashim Ali between 1987 and 1994. He attended Moscow State Academy and graduated with honours and a Master of Arts degree specialised in murals in 1997.
Since then, Hakim’s work has featured in 13 solo exhibitions and more than 80 regional and international group events. He has also been heavily involved in workshops and seminars.
The latest exhibition is being staged by Bahrain-based SRJ Events and Workshops Company, in collaboration with FEKRA Design Studio. Shatha Al Jalahma, founder of SRJ Events has been delighted with the response. “As a well-respected Arab artist, we are honoured to welcome him here,” she said. “This exhibition offers a colourful visual journey that touches the emotions and stirs the feelings of visitors.”
It is open from 9am to 1pm and from 4pm to 7pm. For more information, contact 33460450 or email info@srjonline.com
