An artist whose works deliver social goals

One of the most identified contemporary female artists in Bahrain and the Gulf region, Muna ElRubi, has been active in the consolidation of the arts movement based on her life experiences at different parts of the world, including the African, European and Asian continents. Her objectives are to learn expressionism while working as an educator with children, which has enriched her style. Ms ElRubi’s abstract paintings often deal with belonging, inner feeling and emotion.

In her work, she celebrates humanity, rights and expressionism. Ms ElRubi’s paintings constantly research the effect of colours on the canvas with several techniques derived from different sources, giving her work a global outlook. The artist has also reflected parts of her strong beliefs in humanity and justice, ever since her first solo exhibition, which was sponsored by Alliance Française at Jamshir Culture House in Bahrain back in 2008.

Ms ElRubi’s recent art collection stands out full of her unique strong enterprising colours, opinions and statements. She was shortlisted for the ‘Art of the Two Kingdoms’ at Al Barih Art Gallery in 2013, along with a number of inspiring Bahraini and Saudi artists. Her participations in local and regional events also included taking part in Art Bahrain Across Borders (ArtBAB) 2017 among renowned national and international artists.

Interestingly, Ms ElRubi is a self-taught artist which gives her the experience and freedom to develop her own style and school, as well as developing her strong aesthetic. Travelling to India, Sudan and Lebanon, and most recently to England, has refreshed Ms ElRubi’s acceptance and strong belief in cultural diversity. Her ideas are about communication and understanding one’s own feeling, to make some kind of a visual image but also humanity, passion, cultural revolution, are elements that can be found throughout her work.

Ms ElRubi’s work caries a very personal view to compassion and humankind, as she paints when she is touched, convinced, and when she feels the need to express herself. The challenge as she explains is to establish a connection between the art piece and the viewer to allow revisiting our opinions and thoughts.