Inspired by experience

Bahrain-based artist Arthur D'Souza aims to highlight the principles of science using the brilliance of colours with his latest exhibition.

He has transformed a series of photographic images into multi-dimensional artworks and will showcase the new collection entitled 'Photo Synthesis' next week.

The exhibition featuring 20 pieces will be staged at the Centre Culturel Franco-Bahre•nien La Maison Jamsheer in Muharraq from May 4 to 18.

Arthur, 49, from Budaiya, said: "I was inspired by the process of photosynthesis, (in which green plants use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into nutrients and life), so I decided to turn paper and photographs, which by definition are images created by light falling on a light-sensitive surface, into energetic artworks that provide nourishment for both mind and soul.

"This is an experimental, interactive and entertaining body of work that I believe will be well worth a look."

Many of the pieces in the collection have been inspired by New York where Arthur spent the summer exploring the US city's alternative arts and music scene.

He said: "Photo Synthesis focuses on the displacement of people from different social settings being brought together into a new location, either in the same city or in a whole new country."

Arthur uses a technique called 'positively paper' that he has been developing over several years, which involves layering positive film and coloured paper with sheets of glass to achieve an almost 3D effect.

He said: "In addition to playing with depth, colour and light, I also try to put a spin on reality by combining images from different settings. I try to do this so seamlessly, that on an initial viewing an image can seem straightforward, until something strikes you as being slightly at odds with reality ... then you're forced to take a second, deeper look.

"This displacement involves people from different social settings being brought together but, more often than not, people from a particular setting are placed in a new location.

"For instance, the picture of a girl living on the streets in India transposed to a village setting in Bahrain, conveys the universality of grappling with life's realities as well as drawing attention to its different degrees."

Arthur has been living in the kingdom for the past 25 years and has held several solo and group exhibitions at the Al Riwaq Gallery, Lina's CafŽ Gallery, ArtHouse Open Studios, Casa Dell' Arte Gallery, the Bahrain National Museum and Qal'at Al Bahrain Site Museum.

He studied Applied Arts in Mumbai, India, and boasts a Major in Photography and applies his multi-media skills to developing creative communications solutions, advertising campaigns and events.

After working for several years as a graphic designer, in 2007 he decided to become a full-time artist. He said: "Since then I've experimented constantly. I've tried mixing screen angles with paper textures, exposing under-layers of paper, using a range of opacities and introducing fabric with positive films of differing resolutions.

"Because I work with my hands through a constantly evolving process, each new piece has a unique quality about it. I believe that my most recent works are much further removed from reality and thus from pure photography than previous ones."

The works of art will be priced between BD275 to BD1,600.

The exhibition is being held with the support of the Alliance Franaise de Bahre•n. The opening hours of La Maison Jamsheer are from 9am to 1pm and 3pm to 9pm Sunday to Thursday and from 9am to 1pm and 4pm to 9pm on Friday. For further details visit Arthur's website www.arthurdsouza.com