A total of 29 Bahrain-based artists across nationalities are showcasing their striking creations at Bahrain Financial Harbour. 
Synergism: The Art of Collective Passion staged by Filipino Artists Bahrain, under the auspices of the Philippines Embassy, will bring alive a wide variety of mixed media works and artistic techniques. 
On the sidelines of the exhibition, visitors can enjoy free art workshops tomorrow, October 30. The watercolour session by artist Gary Manalo and the charcoal and graphite class by creative talent Jie Refugio, both of whom are also exhibiting, are open to enthusiasts of all skill levels, with basic supplies provided. 
Among the participants is Filipino expatriate and finance manager Jeah Valerio from Sanabis, who is exhibiting her piece Silfira (‘silent fire’), illustrating the dual ideas of the ‘flaming soul’. 
“At its heart, Silfira is a visual ode to subtle power and radiant humility,” the 29-year-old told GulfWeekly.
“It embodies the truth that genuine strength does not need to shout to be felt, nor does it need an audience to exist,” added the Bahrain resident of 20 years. 
Jeah’s artistic journey began when she was just eight and those early years laid the foundation for her creative pursuits.  
“Over time, I explored a wide spectrum of mediums, developing a strong affinity for mixed media. I work primarily with acrylics and oils, often blending structured geometric compositions with fluid, tactile elements and frequently use palette knives and heavy impasto techniques to build rich textures that give each piece a physical presence,” she explained. 
Lending the display diversity is 54-year-old Hamed Al Bosta, who will be presenting two works. 
“My artworks are an abstract experiment using coloured adhesive tape as a medium – replacing traditional paints –to explore the theme of light. The pieces examine light from both inside and outside a space, considering how this element can influence us, transform our inner selves and shape the way we engage with our surroundings,” he added.
“My late father, artist Abdulkarim Al Bosta, was a pioneer of the visual arts movement in Bahrain and the Arabian Gulf region. My late uncle, Abdulmonem Al Bosta, was also among the first generation of artists, and my uncle Abdulilah is a visual artist and ceramicist. 
“The environment in which I grew up played a profound role in shaping my artistic and cultural identity; from a young age, I would accompany my father to art exhibitions and various creative activities, all of which served as a source of inspiration and motivation for me to immerse myself in the world of art,” recounted the creative talent. 
Over the years, Bahrain has been home to a close-knit community of local and expatriate artists, who work together to spotlight the kingdom’s talent both on the island and internationally. 
Russian-Jordanian expatriate and engineer Irina Averinos from Jurdaab is among the many who have successfully showcased their works at exhibitions in Bahrain and beyond. The 67-year-old art educator has lived in the kingdom for more than 25 years and curated several displays.
“I will exhibit two seascape oil paintings from my previous collections: Sea Breeze and Serenity. Born by the sea and now living on an island, I love the ocean because it is always different, yet always beautiful. My passion is painting beauty and spreading positivity through my art,” she added.
Irina recently received the Peace Artist medal for her contribution to the international movement of artists for world peace.
Synergism: The Art of Collective Passion will run until November 5 at Harbour Gate.