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THE intersection of art, creativity and entrepreneurship is being explored at a new exhibition now on display at the University of Bahrain.
Expressions has been organised by the Windows of Amal art platform.
“We have 16 artists exhibiting their work here, and we are kicking off the exhibition with Esmahan Bokhowa and Wafa Alobaidat talking about entrepreneurship and the importance of being courageous,” Dr Noora Alghatam, founder of the Windows of Amal initiative, told GulfWeekly.
“Our aim with our art platform is to highlight how creativity intersects with entrepreneurship. We are planning to have panel discussions, exhibitions and talks in the future, all based around the art on display.”
This is the second of two art exhibitions organised by the platform at the university, after last week’s Personal Journeys during Social Distancing showcase.
Both exhibitions featured 16 artists and were curated by a team of international curators including UK-based artist Nancy Cadogan, Art Bazaar Arabia deputy editor Ayesha Sohail, Dr Noora and Ella Prakash.
Amongst the artists featured at this exhibition are Aparne Shere, Bhavika Bhatia, Eman AlJunaid, Kathrina Ragadi and Dr Noora.
“My piece The World Is Your Oyster depicts a Bahraini women in a red thobe with pearls and oysters,” Dr Noora explained.
“The pearls and oysters represent dreams and aspirations that we aim to achieve in life and the importance of setting an intention. The piece also shows images of modernity and culture to reflect the context of the region.
“My second work Transition focuses on the theme of courage and positive change that is depicted through the assertive figure with the horse in the painting. This work has previously been displayed in Art Bab and at an exhibition in Venice, Italy.”
While the first exhibition was focused on Covid-19, this one was opened up to whatever themes and motifs appealed to artists.
Freelance artist Aparna Shere, 45, has been fascinated by tigers since she was commissioned by the Indian Embassy in Muscat, Oman, to paint a piece emblematic of the state of West Bengal.
“I have always been fascinated by the tiger’s eyes and their posture,” she added.
“I started painting back in college, and taught myself to work with acrylics. I graduated with a degree in statistics, but I have always been interested in painting. This platform has been a good way for me to connect with the art scene in Bahrain.”
The exhibition ends this evening and is open to the public every day from 3.45pm to 6pm.
To register and for more information, visit @windows.of.amal on Instagram.
