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City Centre Bahrain is celebrating the kingdom’s birthday with giant colourful art installations.
This is the mall’s second year of hosting the community-driven ‘Art of C’ campaign in which artists, designers, calligraphers and photographers join hands to decorate 10 large white Cs into bright and bold fixtures as a tribute to the kingdom’s rich culture.
Duaij Khalifa Al Rumaihi, senior mall manager, said: “Through the Art of C, City Centre Bahrain has created a visible platform for local artists to showcase their talent and create great moments in arts and culture for the community.
“This initiative could not have happened without the invaluable support and leadership of the artists of the Bahrain Arts Society. As we approach the 43rd Bahrain National Day, the Art of C will serve as a reminder of our rich heritage.”
Leading the vibrant artistic vision once again was Abbas Al Mousawi, one of the founding members of the Bahrain Arts Society. Together, with society colleagues, he gathered talent from various groups within the community, including schools, women’s associations, galleries and local businesses, to cover the canvases with cultural, architectural and historical themes centred on Bahrain.
Mr Al Mousawi said: “I would like to praise City Centre Bahrain for its constant support of the arts. It is a brilliant way to interact with the shoppers and to capture their hearts.
“Last year we created mesmerising art work to grab the attention of visitors and act as a learning method for artists, be it students who want to learn or regulars that want to broaden their insight. It was also to celebrate the mall’s new brand identity.
“This year, we improved on the event by giving each letter ‘C’ a meaning that showcases our love for Bahrain. It’s the perfect lead up to such a beautiful occasion, Bahrain’s National Day.
“For example, we have one ‘C’ revolving around the sea that surrounds us, the richness it provides us from pearls, fish and its beauty. Another canvas focuses on the benefits of the palm tree. We also have a ‘C’ exhibiting Arabian calligraphy and its history, coloured glass, the kingdom’s architecture, music, weaving, handcrafts and photography. Each ‘C’ also has a description exhibited nearby explaining its importance.
“We tried to get the entire community together including students, artists and mall-goers to take part in the campaign and workshops were hosted to create a lively atmosphere as well as to share in the love of artistic expression.”
Artists used various forms of mixed media and materials native to Bahrain to complete their works such as embroidered fabrics, woven palm tree leaves, seashells, coloured glass, paints and calligraphy.
Turkish artist, Ipek Altay, 50, a retired banker visiting friends in Bahrain, was encouraged to take part in the initiative. She used fishing nets, jewellery and colourful threads and textiles to create the ‘Weaving C’.
Mrs Altay said: “I used to live in Bahrain years ago and it always felt like home. During my time in Bahrain I attended textile workshops and I loved sculpting as well. A few of my friends took part in the campaign last year and suggested that I join.
“I spent my vacation doing something I love … art ... and my tribute to the kingdom was weaving. I used different materials to create a collage. I was inspired by Bahraini women.”
Shoppers also had the chance to express their love for the nation by personalising their own C-shaped canvases which will be hung in the mall.
The three most creative shoppers will receive BD50 gift cards as prizes. Social media Instagramers can also post up photos of their favourite C-shaped artwork to win prizes. Visitors are encouraged to use the hashtag #greatmoments and #CCBArtofC14 to win prizes.
In addition, City Centre Bahrain will create a digital ‘Art of C’ workshop application on Facebook, which will allow users to design their own Cs to be celebrated in an online gallery.
The captivating Cs are on display until December 31 and all participants have received certificates from the mall for their efforts during the unveiling which was hosted under the patronage of Assistant-Undersecretary for Tourism Shaikh Khalid bin Humood Al Khalifa.
For more information, visit www.Facebook.com/CityCentreBahrain or www.citycentrebahrain
