Renowned Hungarian artist Gabor Szoke explores cultural connections in Bahrain

TDT | Manama                                                

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com     

Bahrain recently played host to Gabor M. Szoke, the Hungarian artist well-known around the world for his monumental sculptures, installations, and projects featuring animals, beasts, and other fictive creatures.

When it comes to Szoke, Bahrain too has something remarkable to boast about. Unbeknownst to many, the wooden horse sculptured by Szoke for the royal palace of Bahrain is one captivating example of his creative style that left indelible marks on the architectural landscapes across Europe and the United States.

During his three-day stay in the Kingdom, the master craftsman said he was greatly impressed by the warm welcome of the Bahraini people.

Bahrainis, he said, have a remarkable sense of openness and several cultural commonalities with Hungary.

He pointed out that both nations share a rich equestrian heritage, placing immense importance on preserving national identity and traditions.

Moreover, according to Szoke, the intertwining mythological symbols and totemic animals present in Hungarian and Arab cultures play a significant role in their respective art forms.

In his sculptures, Szoke said the public display of these symbolic elements holds paramount importance.

"They serve as essential reference points for preserving national identity, fostering intergenerational connections, shaping cityscapes, and attracting tourists eager to explore the vibrant cultures intertwined within these artworks."

Throughout his visit to Bahrain, Gabor M. Szoke said he strived to embark on a cultural odyssey, bridging the gap between Hungarian and Bahraini traditions.

His colossal masterpiece, aptly named "Colossus," stands as Europe’s largest horse sculpture, measuring an impressive 15 metres in height and weighing a staggering 30 tons of stainless steel.

Serving as the grand entrance to the X-bionics Sphere in Samorin, Slovakia, Colossus witnessed the triumph of His Highness, Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, during the 2022 World Endurance Championships, astride his faithful steed, Bullet.

With over 100 sculptures adorning various global locales, Szoke’s clientele includes sports clubs, governments, national banks, real estate developers, museums, and hotels.

One of the most iconic public artworks is the Atlanta Falcon, a monumental feat of artistic prowess.

This awe-inspiring sculpture, commissioned by the owner of the Atlanta Falcons NFL team and the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in the United States, holds the title of the world’s largest freestanding bird sculpture.