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Artists and photographers from the American Women’s Association (AWA) are showcasing their powerful paintings and moving pictures in a bid to celebrate creativity, as well as to raise money for its charity fund which is dedicated to those in need across the island.
Twenty talented members and supporters are participating in the eighth VISIONS Art Exhibition staged on the second floor of Bahrain Financial Harbour’s Atrium Harbour Gate.
They launched the event last Saturday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony performed by Khalid Kanoo, the deputy group chairman of Yusuf bin Ahmed Kanoo Group.
The exhibition features 111 fine art and photography pieces in a wide variety of styles, subjects and approaches. According to Irina Averinos, AWA’s Art Group chairman, it was entitled VISIONS because it’s a reflection of the different nationalities, backgrounds and inspirations of all those who took part.
Irina, 58, who has been a member of the association since 2008, said: “AWA is made up of around 40 nationalities coming together to support the kingdom’s community. In this exhibition alone we have women from Canada, UK, Jordan, Russia, India, Pakistan, Bahrain and Yemen, as well as the US, participating.
“It made sense to call the exhibition by that name because we have so many women involved who have their own visions and stories to tell.
“Some artists based their paintings on their culture while others were inspired by their travels and life experiences. This gives each artist a chance to express herself. Some artists and photographers are also not a part of the AWA but wanted to show their support to our fundraising which supports around 30 local charities in Bahrain.
“We also want people to enjoy our work and come together in support of great causes and love for art.”
The work features different styles from realistic to abstract with the artists using various mediums including water colours, acrylic and oils, plus mixed media and silk.
Irina, a mother-of-three, who has been featured in various exhibitions and curated many herself, painted three oil canvases, one of which is made up of three panels representing a jelly fish she spotted in an aquarium. She used special techniques to give her other fishy subjects a realistic appeal and look.
Artist Anamika Nambiar also featured touches of realism to her six pieces on show. The 45-year-old based her paintings on the facial expressions of dancers from South India.
The expat mother-of-two, who lives in Saar, is studying for a degree in fine art as part of a distant learning programme, said: “I used to paint a lot of landscapes but realised along the way that I liked faces and expressions.
“I am so happy to be a part of the AWA and be able to show my work through them. I have been in Bahrain for two years now and I originally joined for its art group but became heavily involved in many other activities. It’s full of wonderful women coming together to support good causes in the kingdom.”
The artwork exhibited vary in prices from BD50 to BD1,000 and part of the proceeds of any sold will go to the fund. The exhibition, open from 10am to 7pm, ends tomorrow.
For more details, contact Irina on 36069978 or email iaverinos@yahoo.com
