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Bahraini artist Ebrahim Bu Saad aims to inspire and spread joy throughout the kingdom with his latest exhibition held at the Bin Matar House in Muharraq.
The Ring of the Dove is a compilation of 20 paintings in the forms of manuscripts, inspired by the writings of the 10th Century poet Ibn Hazm Al Andalusi.
It is believed that The Ring of the Dove is one of the most important books about love in the Arab literary world. The ring signifies permanence and sustainability, while the dove is seen as a messenger of passion.
Mr Bu Saad commemorated Ibn Hazm’s work by turning his words into art through calligraphy and paintings.He said: “This is the first exhibition in which I have given my full attention to the beauty of calligraphy. I have always considered myself more of an artist although I have worked as a calligrapher in the past.
“This exhibit, like the many others that I have worked on, took a lot of time and concentration. It may have taken me more than two years to complete this collection but I believe that it couldn’t have come at a better time.
“As we all know, there is a lot of tension in the kingdom and what we need now is love. The Ring of the Dove is all about the meaning and attributes of love and what lovers may experience from abandonment and deprivation to satisfaction and pleasure.
“I feel that there are many poems and verses within the literature that fits with the current time. Love is never-ending. We need these joyful feelings, especially now.
“I want people to be moved by the words and the works of art. I also hope they gain as much as I did from this exhibition and let the love fill their hearts, as it did mine.”
Born in Muharraq, Mr Bu Saad discovered his talents by helping his mother with her sewing. His mum would intricately fabricate and stitch cushions for the house. He explained: “I was five or six-years-old when I first watched my mother design cushions for the house.
“She would copy the prints off of other designs and then trace them onto fabric before making them. One day I asked my mother to let me draw a pattern for her. She gave me the fabric and off I went.
“My mum loved it so much that I continued drawing ever since. I then took part in many art competitions and my family has always been supportive.”
Mr Bu Saad graduated with a bachelor in fine arts from the University of Baghdad and worked as a calligraphist in the Ministry of Education (MOE) in 1973, as well as an art design specialist in textbooks in 1992 and an educational aids superintendent in 2004.
He has designed book covers and is the founder of the Bahrain Art Society.His work is often shown in Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan, Kuwait and the UAE. He has also participated in more than 30 group and solo exhibitions in the Middle East, Europe and the Far East. In fact, Bu-Saad’s 2001 work entitled Takasseem was acquired by the British Museum.
He is also the recipient of numerous awards including first prize from the 2005 Emaar Art International Convention in Dubai and the 2006 Golden Leaf Award for the GCC Exhibition in Oman.
Mr Bu Saad retired in 2007 to pursue his artistic career and to spend more time with his wife Zubaida Al Hashimi, daughter Wassan, 29, and three sons Saad, Hamad, both 26, and Nasser, 17.
Mrs Al Hashimi said: “I feel that with every exhibition I see something new within him and his work. I am very proud of him and all his achievements. There are many days we sit together and talk about art and we share our thoughts together.
“I find that he brings that extra creativity to my life. I am his biggest fan, aside from his children who are also very proud of him.”
Four of The Ring of the Dove pieces have already been sold for BD3,500 each.The exhibition will be on display until January 24.
