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ART-LOVERS have been lining up to witness the latest stunning collection of works by inspirational interior designer and artist Mohamed Taha.
Lines, whether thick, thin, horizontal, vertical, zigzag or spiral, are essential elements of all forms of art to communicate an idea or express a feeling, as well make an image static or active.
Powerful painter Mohamed used this basic artistic tool to create colourful canvases of people, faces and his vision of the world. In keeping with the theme, more than 30 pieces from his Vertical Lines Collection are on show at Harbour Gate’s south ground floor entrance within the Bahrain Financial Harbour (BFH).
“Lines play a major factor in my art,” Mohamed, 62, from Manama, said. “It’s quite important in my line of work especially as I teach art, design and technical drawing.”
The modern abstract artist emphasised lines over groups of people at different locations around the world including Bahrain, London, Paris and Russia using acrylic paint in his third solo exhibition.
Other pieces feature paint dripping from faces and the use of lines in every day pictures from floral arrangements to images of famous people.
He added: “Art is all about expression and there are lines in everything. I’m so pleased with how many people have turned out for the exhibition and the positive feedback I have received from visitors and other artists.
“I draw the subject first as the background and then my last layers are the lines. I have experimented with this method and everyone appears to love it. I’ve been encouraged to continue on this path and I’m happy to do so.”
Within the first few days of the opening art-lovers snapped up four of his paintings, valued between BD150 and BD1,000.
Mohamed has always had a passion for art, sketching and drawing since his childhood and was soon invited to participate in numerous exhibitions and events even while attending school.
His brother Mahdi, who was also an aspiring artist, encouraged him to pursue his love for art by studying at the acclaimed Faculty of Fine Arts in Zamalek in Egypt.
After graduation, he returned to the kingdom to work in the family business which revolved around mechanical engineering but also took time to join the Bahrain’s Arts Society.
He also started teaching art, décor, jewellery design and graphics at several schools including Ibn Khuldoon National School and Ahlia University, as well as at institutes such as the Bahrain Training Institute where he became a senior instructor in the art and design division.
Since retiring, he has been able to solely focus on art, participating in exhibitions around the world as well as staging workshops. His works have featured in group exhibitions such as the Art Bahrain Across Borders shows in Bahrain and India. He also staged solo exhibitions at Hend Gallery and Bahrain Training Institute.
Mohamed has also received various accolades and certificates for his charitable activities and courses for different societies and centres such as Al Rahma Centre, Al-Kawther Society for social care and the Royal Charity Organisation.
He is currently working on another solo exhibition which will take two years to fully complete, ready for showcasing sometime in 2020.
Until then, people can admire his works of art until Saturday.
