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A contemporary Arab Art Show will be held at the Caravan Galleries in Barbar from tomorrow until May 25 featuring works of 12 Arab artists, reports Asma Salman.
This is the first time that Caravan Galleries is organising an exhibition in Bahrain. The owner of the gallery, American artist Jeanne Whatley, started the facility five years ago in Kuwait as a way to promote Middle Eastern art and artists and to encourage cultural exchange between the East and the West. Last year the 'caravan' moved to Bahrain.
Dr. Eyad Al Masri, Ahmed Al Shahabi, Sahib Ahmed, Ahmed Fakhri, Moayad Al Motassam, Fareed Al Maliki are some of the artists featured in the exhibition whom Jeanne has come into contact with while living in Jordan and Kuwait. Jordanian artist, Dr Eyad Al Masri works in an unusual manner, applying a resin and stucco mixture to a wooden panel.
Once it has dried, he uses wood carving tools to transform the surface and completes the work by painting in oils.
Dr Al Masri's background in archaeology, art history and painting profoundly influences the direction of his work and his motifs are inspired from the ancient cultures and civilisations of the region. His work makes abundant use of ancient symbols and icons, hieroglyphs, early Arabic writing and inscriptions - often juxtaposed with contemporary themes and symbols taken from the world around him.
Other Arab artists featured in the show are based in various countries, one as far away as Australia. One of Jeanne's favourite pieces is by Ayad Al Qaragolli, an Iraqi sculptor now living and working in Perth.
Works by Jordanian-based artist, Fareed Al Maliki feature beautiful Arabic calligraphy with strong tonal composition. Pen and ink drawings by Moayad Al Motassum are rich in detail, and emphasize the unique and beautiful architecture of the region. The show will be diverse, offering original oils, mixed media, Orientalist watercolors, pen and ink and sculpture.
Also hundreds of Persian and Mogul Miniature Paintings will be on display and available for purchase.
Open house: May 21: 5pm - 9pm.
May 22-25: Hours by appointment only
Kirby Residence, Manama Resort Compound, Villa 7, Barbar. Directions and more information can be obtained by contacting Jeanne at 3996-5853 or via www.caravangalleries.com
