‘Bahrain Arts Across Borders’ expo commences in London

Manama : Bahrain Art Across Borders (BAAB) exhibition 2016 kicked off in the heart of London with over 50 unique artworks unveiled during a private launch reception held at the highly-reputed Victoria and Albert Museum.

The event, which was held under the patronage of Bahrain’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, was attended by Deputy Head of Mission Fahad Albinali and Tamkeen Chief Executive Dr. Ebrahim Mohammed Janahi.

Celebrating Bahrain’s topography, rich culture and traditions, the London collection has been inspired by the first batch of 17 artists of the BAAB initiative.

The event also saw the launch of the art catalogue titled ‘BAAB – Bahrain Art Across Borders’, featuring all the artists, their profiles and their respective artworks displayed in London.

Commenting on this exclusive event, Tamkeen Chief Executive Dr. Janahi said, “Art and culture form the cornerstone of any country’s identity and heritage. It also plays a key role in driving forward economic activity, especially as it is one of the primary gateways for anyone who deals with a country. It not only plays a key role in encouraging tourism, but also assists in enhancing a country’s visibility and reach a wider global audience.”

BAAB’s London portfolio reflects the strength, originality and tradition of the Bahraini identity through various forms of visual arts, such as painting, sculpture and photography, and depicts a range of inspirations from the Arabian horse and its historic place in traditional Arab culture, to ultra-sound scans, religious iconography, and the art of tea. The inaugural group of BAAB artists representing the Kingdom in London comprises both established names in the Bahraini art scene as well as emerging talent, with a predominant female presence that throws light on the growing influence of women artists in the Arab world. 

The artists include Amina Al Abbasi, Balqees Fakhro, Ebrahim BuSaad, Faika Al Hassan, Ghada Khunji, Ghassan Muhsin, Hamed Al-Bosta, Jamal Abdul Rahim, Lulwa Al Khalifa, Marwa Al Khalifa, Nabeela Al Khayer, Noof Alrefaei, Omar Al Rashid, Taiba Faraj, Sumaya Abdulghani, Mayasa Al Sowaidi and Mariam Fakhro. 

According to Hamed Al-Bosta, one of the selected BAAB artists, “BAAB has given us an opportunity to become visible in one of the most important art destination worldwide and I would like to thank everyone involved in this project. The London participants represent a cross-section of the Bahraini art movement made up of different generations of artist, fields and styles.”

An extensive programme has been developed for the artists during their stay in London giving them full exposure to the capital’s bustling arts scene. These include visits to prominent galleries, museums and art centres such as the Barbican Art Centre and Tate Modern and behind-the-scene tours of reputed auction houses in the likes of Christie’s and Sotheby’s. 

A public panel discussion on “Art and Globalisation” at the Arab British Chamber of Commerce, chaired by international industry experts with BAAB’s Ghada Kunji, Jamal A Rahim and Ghassan Muhsen as guest speakers, will also be held.