Artists and writers from across the kingdom recently collaborated to create an exhibition that speaks volumes through every brush stroke and word.
More than 80 art lovers and poetry aficionados have flocked to the second floor of Harbour Gate to admire the showcase called Confluence – Where Words and Images Meet, organised by the Bahrain Writers’ Circle (BWC) and inaugurated by Akram Miknas, president of Promoseven Holdings.
The joint venture initiative was the brainchild of Rohini Sunderam, a founding member of BWC, and the event’s name was created by member Preeti Rana.
“The idea initially came about because we realised that many of our poets often illustrated their works with stock photos and drawings and posted them on social media channels such as on Facebook or Instagram,” explained writer Claudia Hardt.
“So, we thought why not see if there is enough interest among the poets to have an exhibition? A number of them were excited by the idea so we invited our prose members to join us. Although a few of them joined in, the large majority of works on display are poetic.”
The event, which continues until tomorrow, features 18 teams of writers and artists that have come together to create around 30 works of art including paintings, 3D pieces and even an abaya with words or poetry to inspire others.
“Everyone was coming up with different and very creative designs. We have paintings, drawings, photography and even a beautifully designed abaya on display,” she added.
Claudia also featured her poem titled My Little Pearl, Lulu! alongside artist Marion Akanji, who created three pieces called myPOETRYbox to complement her work.
“For a long time I was looking into the opportunity of having my poems translated into art and thanks to Confluence I had the pleasure of collaborating with my long-time friend Marion who is an artist and art consultant,” added Claudia. “My poetry is inspired by the rich culture, heritage and natural island beauty of Bahrain with a focus on the tradition of pearl diving and its precious gem, Lulu - the Pearl, and that’s the title of my displayed poem.
“Marion created three different unique art boxes each representing one part of my poem and showing a lady’s head with pearls and butterflies.”
Admission to the exhibit is free and is open from 11am-8pm.
The BWC is now working on launching another poetry exhibit next month. The annual Colours of Life Poetry Festival will be held on October 27 at LNT gastropub in Adliya. This event was the brainchild of former resident and author David Hollywood. Rohini Sunderam now directs the event and particpants will be presenting their poetry in English and Arabic. Claudia added: “This is more presentation poetry than slam or performance and here too we have a wonderful mix of light-hearted, serious, or contemplative poetry.”