Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
After five years as a gallery assistant hosting exhibitions for renowned local, regional and international artists, Jehan Saleh has finally carved her own niche in the art world with her first solo exhibition.
Bahrain-based Egyptian Jehan, assistant manager at the Albareh Art Gallery in Adliya, is currently holding an exhibition at the Bahrain Contemporary Art Association in Juffair.
She explains that the exhibition is a chance for her to step into the world of art and to proclaim her love and interest in the field by showcasing her own artistic talents.
She said: "Everyone knows me as Jehan from the art gallery. I want now also to be known as Jehan the artist."
The exhibition was opened by Egyptian Ambassador Mohammed Ashraf Harbi under the patronage of Culture and Information minister Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa.
Jehan, 36, from Adliya, said: "This is such a great moment for me. A special thing about this exhibition is that it coincidently opened on my mother's birthday which fell on February 18. She plays a very important role in my life and I feel very lucky."
Titled 'Hues and Characters' the exhibition is a collection of 36 pieces which Jehan has produced over the past three years.
It features Arabic calligraphy fused with various shades of different colours and innovative art pieces in graphics and print media.
The exhibition also boasts one special painting by Jehan's 12-year old daughter, Salma.
Jehan said: "I promised her that I would showcase her painting on my first exhibition and she was so thrilled seeing it up!"
Working in the gallery, Jehan has had the opportunity to observe and study the various art exhibitions held by the many renowned artists who have graced the venue.
She said: "Working here gave me an eye towards great art and made it possible for me to meet so many brilliant artists who helped me immensely with their advice.
"Some of my favourite artists are; Sudanese Mohammed Omar Khalil, Bangladeshi Moneer Islam and Iraqi Madhir Ahmed alongside Bahraini artists Jamal Abdulrahim, Abbas Yousef and Al Gabgan."
Jehan came to Bahrain in 2002 from Egypt, where she was an art teacher for 10 years. She saw a school post advertised in the kingdom and, newly divorced and keen to start a new life with her daughter, she jumped at the chance.
She worked at the school before moving to the gallery in 2005.
Jehan's love of art began as a child in Egypt when her whole family including her parents, two sisters and a brother would take their painting gear to the walls of their home.
She said: "Right from a very young age, we were always taught to do everything on our own. We would never employ people to paint a wall or fix a table - we did it. It was a family occasion and we all loved it. So much so that we are all now artists."
Jehan completed a bachelor's degree in specific education specialising in arts in Egypt and has participated in various exhibitions including Banally Port Saed, a common exhibition at the Italian Council and Youth Salon at the French Council in Port Saed alongside Bahrain's Festival of Asela, the Festival of Eskafi, the Festival of Adhari, at the Bahrain Gardens Club, and an exhibition by the Contemporary Artists Society of which she is a member.
Jehan has also sent her work to exhibitions in Sharjah and Qatar.
She said: "I have been to Morocco once and I love the place. I wish to return there and maybe hold an exhibition. I would also love to visit India and Spain."
Jehan's main inspirations come from famous Syrian poet Nazar Qabani and she hopes someday to make art on print media using his poems in calligraphy.
She said: "I love his poems. I have also used them in my brochure and someday also hope to use his lines in my work."
The exhibition is open daily except Friday from 10am to 1pm and 4pm to 9pm.
