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Art lovers from across the kingdom flocked to the second floor of Bahrain Financial Harbour’s Harbour Gate to admire colourful canvases created by members of the American Women’s Association (AWA) in a bid to encourage talent as well as to raise funds for local charities.
The ninth VISIONS showcase, held under the patronage of Her Excellency Shaikha Hala bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, the director general of the Culture and Arts Directorate at Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (Baca), featured the works of 21 ladies, of different nationalities, sharing their vibrant perspectives and skills in exhibit form.
Anamika Nambiar, VISIONS 2019 chairperson who has been working with AWA for four years, said: “Our vision for this exhibition was to bring all the artists together to feature their paintings in an open, airy space where people can take a step back and truly appreciate the works of art. I wanted the whole flow of the exhibition to be seamless with lots of colours.
“Inger Nordlund, my fellow chairperson for the event, and I achieved our vision. I am very happy with the turn out and the art work looks amazing. The standard of paintings has gone up incredibly from the past two years.”
The last VISIONS exhibition was held in 2017, in which artists and photographers showcased their works.
Last Saturday, the AWA attracted around 200 people to the launch which was inaugurated by the head of arts and exhibitions from Baca, Haya Al Sada.
Irina Averinos, AWA’s Art Group chairman who has been a member of the association since 2008, added: “The reason this annual exhibition is entitled VISIONS is because it’s a reflection of the different nationalities, backgrounds and inspirations of all those who took part. AWA is made up of around 40 nationalities coming together to support the kingdom’s community.”
Irina featured paintings depicting the beauty of nature. The mother-of-three, who has been featured in various exhibitions and curated many herself, said: “I captured the beauty of nature from my various holidays and travels around the world including the gardens of Versailles, France, from Austria and Germany as well as some popular flowers from Bahrain such as the desert rose.
The art work at the event features different styles from realistic to abstract with the painters using various mediums including acrylic and oils, as well as mixed media.
Acrylic artist Jacqueline de Freitas, who has been living in Bahrain for 19 years and has been an artist for around 15 years, showcased her work on realism. “I don’t actually paint one genre. I tend to try different styles of art and even though the paintings I exhibited were not abstract, at the moment, I am very interested in abstract art and exploring that.
“This year’s exhibition was well attended and the standards of the paintings have truly improved. We also have some new artists participating this year.”
According to Jacqueline, who exhibited a though-provoking triptych painting for the Bahrain Fine Art Exhibition 2018 focusing on the plight of the refugee, she I doesn’t paint to sell.
“I paint to satisfy my own self, my thoughts and my feelings,” she explained. ”I just like to paint. I let my paintings do the talking.”
Another painter who finds pleasure in her work is Feryal Isshaq. She has been a member since 2013 and has been tackling art since her university days. She started using pencils and charcoals to create realistic art and as she developed her skill, began to enjoy the use of poster colours, followed by acrylic.
“I add different mediums from time to time and have found myself painting more modern, pop art,” said Feryal, who is a member of Bahrain Art Society and is planning to host an exhibition with a group of four artists in December or January.
“I am grateful to AWA has my first exhibition was with them in 2013. This group gives artists like me free range, space and materials to be creative.
“They don’t stifle us or limit us. AWA has encouraged me to improve on my art work and exhibit them.
“Plus, people love art and appreciate it. This event was the touch we needed to raise awareness and funds.”
Anamika, who painted about popular women in history such as Audrey Hepburn and Frida Kalo as well as an elements and zodiac series for the event, added: “We hold this event to showcase the talent and diversity of AWA’s artists as well as to raise money for our community service fund.
Annually, AWA donates to 30 charities in Bahrain. AWA is an active and diverse association that brings together women from around the globe, to promote charity, friendship, and cultural understanding.”
“The paintings at the event are for sale and a percentage goes towards supporting AWA charities. The sponsorships for the exhibition also go towards AWA Charities.”
The event will end tomorrow and is open from 10am to 7pm.
