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Three Bahrain-based artists are set to showcase their vibrant creations in an exhibition that unveils on Saturday, paying a heartfelt tribute to the kingdom – a place they know as ‘home’, writes Melissa Nazareth.
Bahrain: Journey of Lines captures the rich culture, history and heritage of Bahrain, and is designed to show various elements of the ‘land of pearls’.
A total of 30 paintings – 10 each by Praseetha Ullas, Sudeep Deshpande and Dr Sunila VA – will be on display and reflect Bahraini architecture, dance and crafts, among other things.
Visual artist Sudeep noted that the inspiration for the exhibition came from the trio’s association with Urban Sketchers Bahrain – a local non-profit platform, which is part of the worldwide Urban Sketchers (USk) movement, and has around 50 members since its inception last year.
USk founder Ahmed Alshakhoori and co-founder Sadeq Al Shehabi will inaugurate the showcase at Bahrain Financial Harbour on Saturday.
“Prior to joining USk Bahrain, I mostly painted on larger canvases. The sketching sessions got me to work with smaller proportions. It’s important for a visual artist to be able to manoeuver various scales and this realisation became an inspiration to work on my art displayed in this exhibition,” the 44-year-old told GulfWeekly.
Most of the professional architect’s works are inspired by traditional buildings in Bahrain like wind towers and old structures tucked away in Manama’s alleyways and corners. One, focused on sailing, is influenced by the kingdom’s marine heritage, however, with a personal touch; it features the artist’s signature faces that have grown to be distinctly associated with his work among the art circle in Bahrain.
While each artist brings their unique quality to the exhibits, they are strung together by the creators’ love for Bahrain.
Another commonality is that all the paintings are brought alive through the medium of watercolour.
“My paintings are created with watercolours on handmade paper, chosen deliberately for its tactile quality and its ability to absorb both pigment and emotion,” said homemaker and artist Praseetha Ullas, who has been living in Bahrain for 22 years.
“I’ve used soft bleeds, fluid contours and expressive strokes to give life to emotion, not just form.
“Bahrain continues to be both my muse and my canvas. A piece that especially stands out to me is Gallop of Pride —a dynamic portrayal of a horseman bearing the Bahraini flag. It’s painted with bold, energetic strokes and symbolises national spirit, movement and resilience.
“The Journey of Lines refers not just to the physical lines in my drawings but to the invisible lines that connect time, memory and culture,” the 45-year-old from Salihiya added.
Ayurvedic practitioner and creative talent Dr Sunila VA explores symbolism stylistically with artistic tools. The 45-year-old from Hidd is inspired by the ‘warmth’ of the people in Bahrain and the way tradition seamlessly blends with modern life.
“I mostly work with palette knives, creating layers and textures that bring out both strength and softness. My paintings represent emotions, resilience, and the unseen stories we all carry. One of the standout pieces in this collection reflects that contrast of struggle and hope, through earthy tones blending with vibrant colours.”
Though she has been living in Bahrain for only three years, Dr Sunila believes the kingdom has greatly inspired her and her work.
“Its history and architecture, and even the vibrant energy of places like the Manama Suq, all find a place in my art in different ways,” she added
The exhibition runs until September 11.
