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Sleek and smooth sculptures inspired by Islamic architecture and the kingdom’s heritage are being put on display today at the Bahrain 44th Annual Fine Arts Exhibition in Arad Fort for people to admire.
Artists from around the world have spent the past few weeks at the Bahrain National Museum chipping, sanding and moulding marble and stone into different shapes and designs in preparation for the popular showcase which will also feature colourful paintings and other medias in a range of styles and expressions.
Sculptors from Bahrain, Spain, Iran, Egypt, Morocco, France, Turkey and other countries were invited to conduct their work on the island as part of the 6th Bahrain International Sculpture Symposium which was celebrating Muharraq, the Capital of Islamic Culture 2018. This year, the symposium was led by the renowned Egyptian sculptor Adam Henein.
During the sculpting sessions, people were able to watch the mavens in their element as they transformed giant slabs of rock into works of art. They were also able to pick their brains for techniques and ideas.
Moroccan Ikram Kabbaj, who enjoys working with different mediums and materials such as iron, terracotta, wood, marble and stone, welcomed visitors as they asked about her design which is inspired by Bahrain waves.
She said: “I’m creating a kind of wave from Egyptian black marble. I’m excited to have participated in the symposium and showing off my design at the Fine Arts Exhibition.”
Ikram has participated in various symposiums around the world such as in China, France, Spain, Sweden, Egypt, Lebanon, Kuwait and Syria and her sculptures can be found placed all over the world.
“I am an advocate for the integration of sculptures in public spaces and I love the architecture and designs in Bahrain,” she said.
Iranian artist Majid Haghighi’s sculpture is a continuation from a series he has worked on and it’s based on Islamic architectural motifs. He said: “My marble is being shaped into a representation of pigeon houses used in Iran in the old days.”
Meanwhile, celebrated Bahraini sculptor Khalil Al Hashimi, who works predominantly in bronze, stone and wood, turned dark Emperador marble from Egypt into what resembles a sail boat. His work has been exhibited throughout the Middle East and Europe.
He said: “This is based on my belief that if you don’t sail, then you will never reach.”
The Fine Arts Exhibition will be open to the public for free from 10am to 8pm and will run until March 7, 2018. For more information, contact 17298745 or email fineart@culture.gov.bh
