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Seven Bahraini artists have come together to showcase their distinctive and inspired interpretations of diverse themes – ranging from human emotion and personal growth to heritage and beyond.
The exhibition was inaugurated at 56 Art Gallery in Gufool on Sunday, and attended by the artists, art enthusiasts and other guests.
Within just a couple of hours of the launch, around 12 paintings from a total of 48 were booked – a testament to the exceptional talent of Bahraini artists.
One such gifted artist is Mukhtar AlMukhtar from Manama, who is participating after a 20-year hiatus. He described how ‘rewarding’ it feels to rekindle his passion and exhibit again.
“After years away from the public art scene, I felt a deep personal calling to return,” the 73-year-old, best known for his realistic style, told GulfWeekly.
“I believe now is the right time to reconnect with the community even though I have never stopped painting for a single day,” he added.
The self-taught artist blends classical techniques with contemporary expression, often exploring themes of identity, heritage and human emotion through vibrant colour palettes and symbolic forms. In the past, he has displayed his work at numerous exhibitions, earning many awards, including at the Cairo Biennale (1982).
“I have exhibited seven paintings this time, including a tribute to Palestine,” said the Bahrain Arts Society founding member.
Solidarity with Palestine brings alive the plight of the war-stricken nation, coinciding with the United Nations International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People that will be marked on Saturday, November 29.
“Since I’ve decided to return to the art scene, I believe I have a large reserve of ideas that I aim to bring to life – perhaps host a solo exhibition that highlights aspects of the experience I’ve gained over the years and even publish a book showcasing my works and reflections. I would also like to mentor young Bahraini artists through workshops and collaborations,” Mukhtar revealed.
Over the years, the kingdom’s art community has witnessed a growing number of young artists, who have brought with them a fresh perspective.
Among the new wave of talent is Mariam Dashti from Saar, who left her corporate career six years ago to pursue art full-time. The Economics major is exhibiting five paintings, four of which belong to her series Echoes of the Self, which explores the many layers of identity. The fifth is entitled Catharsis and is a reflection of her deepest emotions.
“I usually transform emotions, symbolism and human experience into powerful visual stories. So, most of my paintings, if not all, have symbolic elements that pass on a message or tell a story,” Mariam said.
“Catharsis happened during a low phase of my life. I was going through something and whenever the weight of my emotions felt heavy, I would paint. The end goal was not to produce something that looks pretty but a very raw painting that makes people confront the emotions that they bury inside them,” the 36-year-old explained.
Speaking of Echoes of the Self, Mariam noted that it invites the viewer to look beyond the surface.
“If you see the paintings, from the inside, they’re very messy, very colourful, very raw – that gets you to see through a person rather than just see what’s on the outside,” added the intuitive artist, who has designed numerous commissioned artworks, some as high as four metres.
Graphic designer Zain Almutawa, who is currently studying in the US, has participated in the exhibition with 14 pieces. The 28-year-old’s work is mostly portrait-based and delves into themes that examine the intersection of personal identity and cultural influences.
“My style features looser brushwork that emphasises a sense of active spontaneity in the process,” added the scholarship recipient, who is pursuing her Master’s degree in visual arts at Sam Fox School in St Louis, Missouri.
Prior to this, the young talent worked as a graphic designer for two years, following an undergraduate course in visual design at Bahrain Polytechnic.
“Even when I was employed, I kept up with my painting practice on the side. I decided to expand it further after receiving a full tuition scholarship,” Zain said.
Not one to rest on past laurels, she hopes to make more time to paint in the New Year and explore alternative methods of displaying and framing her work.
The exhibition, which is currently open for viewing at 56 Art Gallery, will run until December 7, and brings alive the dream of gallery owner Husam AlDhulaie, who is on a mission to support local artists.
“I bought my first piece of art when I was 14, which marked the beginning of my journey,” the 33-year-old entrepreneur from Saar said.
“Over time, I built my collection with pieces from all over the world. I noticed how talented Bahraini artists were, which inspired me to start my gallery. I wanted to support local artists,” he added.
