The world’s leading museum of art and design – the Victoria & Albert museum – had the honor to host the launch of Bahrain’s creative talent’s exhibition. Or is it the talents who had the honor? In any case, the work of 17 Bahraini artists was carefully selected by an international panel of expert judges under a Bahrain Art Across Border (BAAB) initiative to be exposed in a London gallery for the first time.
Out of the 17 artists picked, 12 were women, some were ‘artists to watch.’ when others were already established, and the 17 of them were delighted to get a chance to be exposed in the posh gallery district of London, a few steps away from auction houses Christie’s and Sotheby’s. This week we went and had a look at the gallery and here are a few things that we loved…
Ghada Khunji
When you think about Bahraini art, you wouldn’t necessarily expect to find Ghada Khunji’s above two paintings, which are sometimes exposed veiled and other times unveiled. The Muslim artist went to a catholic school and lived next to a Hindu temple and says being interested in religion’s place in the contemporary world.
Mayasa Al Sowaidi
Only Mayasa Al Sowaidi could turn our favorite tea bags into such amazing piece, no wonder the British picked it!
Omar Al Rashid
The artist Omar Al Rashid describes horses as “one of the best friends of the old Bahrainis who have lived on this island,” and its beauty and history inspired his work.
Faika Al Hassan
Human beings vs. the vastness of the universe is what Faika Al Hassan represents so well in her art, which she says has been the best way for her to express herself.
Noof Al Refaie
In her Bicycle Bench sculptural artwork, Noof Al Refaie turned things like recycled wood, an old-school bicycle and road signs into an old and modern bench that we all want in our garden or living-room.
WE SAID THIS: You go Bahrain!
