The Ramadan way of life in Bahrain

NINE artists from Bahrain have banded together to showcase their creative works that celebrate the joy and spirit of Ramadan.

Colourful paintings light up the walls of the Abaad Art Gallery as it hosts Mawruthat Ramadania (Ramadan Legacies) exhibition, which peeks into the many nuances and cultures surrounding the festival in Bahrain.

“There are so many artists in the kingdom and I wanted to provide a platform to nurture and display their talent, “ Abdulshaheed Khamdan, the exhibition organiser and gallery owner, said. “I thought of showcasing their talent in an exhibition that focused on the Ramadan way of life in Bahrain.”

A retired art teacher, Abdulshaheed opened the gallery on the ground floor of his  home to ‘offer a space for artists to join, learn and share their knowledge and experience’.

The 70-year-old has also showcased two of his works spotlighting the Diwani calligraphy, a cursive variety of the Arabian script, under the colours of night and day.

The expo features artists Abduljalil Al Hayki, Khalifa Showaiter, Saleh Al Mahoozi, Ismael Ali, Fareeda Darwish, Ibrahim Akbar, Jaber Suhrab and Musa Ramadan.

“The idea is what connected us,” said Abduljalil, 60, with a smile.

The retired electrical engineer stood beside one of his paintings depicting two women exchanging plates and dishes during Ramadan.

“In olden days, houses were constructed close to each other in narrow alleys. People seldom closed doors as they visited each other and shared goods and delicacies. This painting reflects that community spirit,” he said.

The unique cultural bonds and traditions were also depicted by 65-year-old Ismael and 45-year-old Ibrahim, both of whom have showcased a woman handing out Ramadan futoor, such as dates, to people in the neighbourhood.

Meanwhile, Saleh, 54, has presented four paintings and the one titled ‘Laylat Al Qadr’ (The Night of Destiny) is close to his heart as it’s named after the special night when the Quran first descended from the heavens.

“I have used acrylic colours, an expressive style with little abstraction, to simulate the reverence and prayers, the recitation of the Holy Quran, the collective attendance of it all as in supplication they cry, all in this one night that stands for a thousand months,” he said.

Fareeda has focused on mosques which are frequently visited during the holy month for prayers, religious seminars and educational lectures. She started drawing when she was in school and took it seriously after graduating from university.

“My style is inspired by my love for everything that is colourful and my need to express all I see with my colours and style,” she said.

Jaber, 65, has portrayed cultural gatherings on his canvas titled ‘Mosque’. The artwork, which looks as if it was painted a century ago, depicts a mosque as people from all around the neighbourhood gather within its premises.

“Despite the difficulty in their time, reviving the heritage is opening an ancient treasure full of love, loyalty and kindness, customs and traditions,” said Jaber.

Also participating are Musa and Khalifa whose canvases depict the life of ancient Bahrainis.

The exhibition, which kicked off on March 16, runs until the end of Ramadan, with doors open daily in the evenings.

For details follow

@bbvart, @salehalmahoozi, @khalifaart, @mamadoss_collection, @abaadartgallery, @ismaeelart, @khamdanart @abo_ali_alhayki, and @abuhussain201549 on Instagram.