Everyone is an artist

Manama : Ali Albazzaz is a Bahraini artist and the founder of Mashq Art Space, opened recently in Al Maqsha in Budaiya. Mashq is an art gallery, with an art exhibition hallway, café and rooms for holding workshops. It is simply the right place to go if you are interested in art, calligraphy, music, handcrafts, poetry etc. Besides, Mashq hosts lot of other events including talk shows and book signing events, with the most recent one being a book discussion for the Bahrain reading challenge. University of Bahrain (UoB) media student Duha Sayed Alawi caught up with artist Ali Albazzaz for a quick interview, in which he spoke about Mashq Art Space and future plans. Excerpts:

What inspired you to start Mashq Art Space? 

Having the right opportunities and possibilities. It has always been my passion and dream to work in what I love to do, so I can give all I can. 

Why the name Mashq?

Mashq is one of the oldest calligraphic forms of the Arabic script. Islamic calligraphy is applied on a wide range of decorative mediums other than paper, such as tiles, vessels, carpets, and inscriptions. The name did effect on the decor too.

The activities you hold?

We hold many activities such as art exhibitions, poetry events, workshops, literary events, musical events and educational sessions in many different
categories.

Who does your space attract? 

All age groups from kids to older people, and from all strata of society. Our concept is “every one is an artist”.

The artists who inspires you? 

I don’t have a specific artist, but let’s say Pablo Picasso.

The person who supported you since step one?

My family, wife and friends. 

The problems you faced?

Firstly I had financial difficulties and also the initiative being something new to the Bahraini society interactions were hard to come by, which also made things a bit slow at the beginning. 

Your future plans?

I hope one day Mashq will be the place were the artists and the intellectuals choose to be in, and to fill the gap the Bahraini society has, and also to give the right opportunities for the youth.

Finally, something you want to say? 

Part of Mashq is a cultural café, which is a new idea specially here in Bahrain. So I hope people get to know the place and come to enjoy the services. You can visit our Instagram page for more information (mashqart)