When art transcends boundaries

Indian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain, Piyush Srivastava, officially inaugurated the event at The Daily Tribune’s office at Mcindeez Tower in Umm Al Hasam. It will be open for all from 5 to 8pm until Tuesday, February 28.

Opening the expo, jointly with Nayef Al Sherooqi, the Ministry of the Interior’s director of human and financial resources, and Unni Krishnan, Chairman of The Daily Tribune, and IFAS president Nisha Ranganath, Ambassador Srivastava also termed the expo as a reflection of “the strong cultural and personal ties Bahrain and India.”

The expo, which aims to create a dynamic platform for cultural and creative exchange, has the participation of Indian and Bahraini artists.

“Though I would see every piece of artwork here, I can already see a glimpse of the exhibition, which is a treat to the eyes,” said Ambassador Srivastava as he declared the expo open.

The expo, which has the presence of Bahraini and Indian artists, he said, reflects the strong cultural and personal ties Bahrain and India share”. Ambassador Srivastava further expressed confidence that in the coming days, “these relationships will grow even stronger,” as he hailed the Indian Fine Art Society, The Daily Tribune and all the participating artists for putting on such a “wonderful exhibition”.

Atamjeet Singh Bawa, Niju Joy, Sagar Adkar, Saira Ranji, Tejbir Singh, Mohamed Taha, and Sudeep Deshpande represent Bahrain Art Hub at the expo. As the doors opened yesterday, people in large numbers from all around the Kingdom were seen walking around the artworks, appreciating and evaluating their technical and artistic aspects.

‘Big boost’

One of them, also an artist from India, told The Daily Tribune that the expo would give the art scene of Bahrain a “big boost”.

The event is “extremely welcoming” and “wonderful”. “It gives people like me a “great opportunity to know others in the field and explore their works.” “For us, artworks are a medium to share our emotions, and we also draw our inspirations from them.”

‘Pleased’

Mohammad Taha, a Bahraini artist with a fine arts degree from Cairo, told The Daily Tribune that he is “pleased”.

“I’ve been to several group exhibitions and art expos, and I’m happy that my Indian colleagues made me participate. It’s a helpful method to support the budding artist.” He also highlighted the cultural scene in Bahrain as “favourable.” The “two art societies, the Bahrain Art Society in Budaiya and the Modern Art Society in Juffair, offer open membership and opportunities for individuals to participate and learn,” he pointed out.

From oil paintings to watercolours

Tejbir Singh, an Indian artist, shared in a conversation with The Daily Tribune that he initially started creating oil paintings but eventually transitioned to watercolours.

Given his professional background as an architect, his artwork reflects his passion for showcasing architectural heritage, urban landscapes, and buildings. “All of my paintings reflect the architectural heritage, urban landscapes, and buildings.

I’m pleased to make it into Bahrain.” Singh said he had the chance to explore various exhibitions and attractions, including Muharraq, which he found particularly inspiring. “I began visiting exhibitions and travelling to other locations, especially Muharraq.”

Singh mentioned that he randomly chooses locations and begins painting on the spot.

Music and art

Nisha Rangarajan, President of the Indian Financial Society, expressed her appreciation for the affiliation between the organisation and The Daily Tribune, stating that music and art are universally cherished.

She said that society has been working on the Island for a long time, extending an invitation to come and visit the impressive art pieces on display. “I invite everyone to visit and enjoy these stunning works.”

She also noted the artists’ cooperation, which contributed to the success of the collaboration. Ali Ahmaid, Latha Unnikrishnan, Praseetha Ullas, Richa Mouria, Niju, Sagar Adkar, Atmajeet Singh, and Vendath Nimish exhibited their paintings and creative works.