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Bahraini artist Mohamed Taha is captivating art lovers across the kingdom through his solo exhibition entitled Motion, which celebrates the fluidity and rhythm of human movement.
Comprising 62 paintings, the collection spans vividly coloured compositions and striking black-and-white works, each capturing the energy and emotions of figures in motion.
Mohamed’s signature silhouettes and bustling crowds come alive across iconic international landmarks – from New York’s Grand Central Terminal to the Eiffel Tower in Paris – as well as in everyday moments, whether on a park bench or a dance floor.
The Karranah-born contemporary artist employs a range of techniques – from brushwork to knife strokes and abstract forms – to breathe life into his creations.
Each canvas reveals rich cultural influences, drawing inspiration from African heritage, Egyptian royalty, Arab architecture, and the vibrancy of Spanish Flamenco, reflecting Bahrain’s own cosmopolitan spirit and its diverse artistic influences.
Mohamed even experiments with unconventional surfaces, sketching on bar codes and QR codes, weaving tradition and technology into one compelling visual narrative.
“This is my sixth solo exhibition and I have gone beyond the traditional styles and incorporated modern, abstract elements,” the 68-year-old told GulfWeekly.
“I have used a mix of black and white and
cheerful colours to attract visitors.”
The retired art and design teacher has participated in numerous group exhibitions in the kingdom and abroad. Some of them include the National Day Exhibition at Al Najma Club in 2014, ArtBAB in 2017, Art Hub Liwa Abu Dhabi in 2018, King Abdulaziz Camel Festival in 2019, the Gulf Art Forum in 2023 and more.
Mohamed also took part in the Art Bahrain Across Borders shows in Bahrain and India, covering subjects ranging from fashion and jewellery to graphic design and interiors.
A polyglot who fell in love with painting as a child, Mohamed pursued his studies at the Faculty of Fine Arts in Zamalek, Egypt, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Interior Architecture.
Aside from Arabic and English, he is fluent in several other languages, including Urdu, French, Persian and sign language.
Driven by his passion for sharing knowledge with fellow enthusiasts and aspiring artists, Mohamed has taught art and design at several institutes across the kingdom, including the Bahrain Training Institute where he served as a senior instructor in 2002, and the Bahrain Calligraphy School where he lectured during the same period.
He has also conducted summer courses and drawing and colouring workshops, including one at Bait Al Quran with celebrated Bahraini artist Abbas Almosawi.
Motion will be on display at Downtown Rotana in Manama until November 21.
For details, follow @mtaha56 on Instagram.
