Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
THE kingdom’s budding artists have put their creative talents on display at the British School of Bahrain (BSB) in a bid to share their love of art with a wide audience.
The Bahrain Junior School’s Art Exhibition, which features colourful paintings and sculptures created by youngsters aged between, seven and 11, from nine private schools on the island, continues until tomorrow.
The event includes the work of students from BSB, Riffa Views International School, Nadeen School, Shaikha Hessa Girls School, Philippine School Bahrain (PSB), Al Hekma International School, Al Raja School, Arabian Pearl Gulf School as well as the Life in Music and Art School.
Artist Arthur Dsouza opened the exhibition at a special ceremony attended by students, teachers, parents and supporters.
Lisa Dixon-Clarke, head of art and design technology, organised the event and invited schools in the kingdom to contribute work to the display.
She said: “This is about celebrating art within Bahrain and showing what the juniors can do. It’s not a competition; it’s an exhibition that gives all youngsters a chance to shine. We asked each school to send about eight pieces of work to show what their students can do.
“We did not set any theme for the exhibition; it was just an opportunity for the kids to express themselves and the schools to show what their art is about.
“When I worked in London I applied the same concept for the prep schools in the country, but it was more of a national art exhibition. I had about 80 schools involved.
“It is something I always wanted to do here. I find that we don’t interact much with other schools and I think that’s something BSB really wants to do in order to share our knowledge with one another and this is a great start.
“I would like this to be an annual exhibition and I think it would be wonderful for more schools to take part in the future.”
The school’s new foyer, where the exhibition is taking place, is decorated with vibrant art pieces boasting a wide range of skills and techniques from press prints to pastels, watercolours to acrylics and sculptures to sketch work.
Chime J Rosaldes, 10, a student at PSB who lives in Gudaibiya, had her painting of Muharraq Bridge included in the exhibition. She said: “My painting shows how the bridge looks different in the dark and in the light. I only used shades of yellow, orange, brown and white because I wanted it to look like the sun was setting. I always paint so it’s exciting to see my painting on display.”
Her mum Jerelene Rosaldes, 42, added: “I think my daughter’s painting is great. She worked hard and I believe she has a future in art as long as she continues to love what she is doing.
“This show is a great opportunity for her and for other aspiring artists to dream about the future and express themselves through art. It’s also a great way to expose their work to the public.”
Nine-year-old Mohammed Al Khaloo from Riffa, a student at BSB, impressed the guests with his hatched dinosaur egg sculpture. Mohammed said: “I love to create art. The best bit about it is when you paint, spilling all the colours to make something beautiful. It helps me express myself.
“I love wildlife, nature and history, which is why I made a dinosaur egg appear as though it was hatching. I first got the idea from a growing plant in a pot. Everyone did such a great job with their art. The exhibition is really good.”
Ajyad Al Khalifa, nine, from Hamala, a student at Riffa Views International School, attended the exhibition with her art teacher Kristine Emerson, 25.
Ajyad painted a landscape using watercolour. She said: “It’s exciting and fun. I feel like a real artist having my painting hanging on the walls.”
Miss Emerson, who was pleased to see her pupil shine, said: “This is a great way for kids and teachers to meet each other and celebrate art.
“I love the space they used and already have ideas of what we can do at our school. Seeing this art space makes us want to do something similar.”
Julianna Al Zeerah, eight, from Riffa, a student at Shaikha Hessa Girls School, said: “My painting is about a girl and a woman in a room studying. It’s from my imagination. I love art more than anything … but not more than my mum. I draw with markers, sometimes with crayons and even watercolours. I’m practicing to be a real artist when I grow up and I’m really excited to see my work at BSB.”
After walking around the exhibit, guests were treated to a musical interlude performed by students of the BSB Academy of Performing Arts.
Mr Dsouza then held a workshop, teaching youngsters to leave their mark on the world by designing miniature flags showcasing their individuality. The flags were later hung up to form another art piece.
Mr Dsouza said: “It’s amazing how young people have almost no barriers to their imagination when they create art. That is very refreshing especially for an older person who thinks he knows or has seen everything. You are brought down to earth.
“I think that is the most interesting aspect of watching young people work and seeing what they create. I have been watching them for about three months. I was invited to visit and interact with the students and I thought I would be bringing something to the party, but actually, I took a lot from them!
“I would encourage more adults to open their eyes to what the younger generation has to offer. When we are young we are always told to paint in lines and in boxes but I think art, essentially, is painting wherever you want to. This is a lovely parade of colours.”
The exhibition, which was due to end on May 2 was extended due to popular demand until tomorrow and is open to the public from 9am to 6.30pm.
For more information, call 17610920.
