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Riffa Views International School (RVIS) has staged its first IB Art Exhibition, sharing its students’ colourful canvases, thought-provoking sculptures and fashion designs with families, friends and art lovers in the kingdom.
A violinist serenaded parents and friends as they admired the comprehensive range of work on display at a recent opening ceremony.
Kristine Emerson, the college preparatory institute’s art teacher, said: “IB is great in the way that it is flexible and allows students to pursue their personal interests. Students can explore concepts, ideas and techniques with a wide range of media and materials.
“This is the first IB Art exhibit for RVIS and the students are very excited to show their friends and family the work that they have cumulated over two years.
“They are proud of what they have accomplished and how much they have grown as young artists.”
The exhibition featured a compilation of work from four Grade 12 students, three first year IB art scholars and two second year IB art pupils, namely Bahraini Alanood Al Khalifa and American Jacob Dancer. They will join the second batch of students to graduate from the school this summer.
Alanood, 17, who derives her inspiration from painters such as American Mark Tansey and Saudi Arabian Wedad Al-Bakr, focused her 10 pieces on her heritage.
Alanood, who used acrylic, oil, charcoal and ceramics in her work, said: “My style is quite Arabesque and realistic. Each artwork has its own message but, in general, they all centralise around elements relating to Arab people, art and situations.”
Jacob, 18, who has been interested in visual arts throughout his childhood, had six works of art on display. He used paint, plaster, wood and even computer parts to create his designs.
He said: “I draw my inspiration from science, mathematics and the natural beauty I find in them, as well as things and events that I experience.
“All my pieces share a theme of science, technology and mathematics. Most of my works try to convey the beauty I see in the logic and order of the natural world.
“My parents think it is excellent that I have found a way to combine my passion and talent in both the arts and sciences.”
