Celebration of life

ART lovers are being invited to explore the creativity of some of the world’s most exciting talent during a three-week showcase of stunning works.

The ‘Art Alive, a celebration of life through creativity, colours and mixed media’ exhibition, which is being staged until November 18 at Wadi Al Sail mall in Riffa, has been organised by Al Manar  Stationery’s megastore to inspire the next generation of artists.

“We have long committed ourselves to supporting the continuous growth of many local artists in Bahrain and understanding their needs,” said Ahmed Al Salehi, Al Manar Stationery’s chief executive officer, about the store, which also houses top-of-the-line stationery brands, electronics, toys, homeware, gifts and party supplies. 

“We also have a fully dedicated arts and crafts space in our megastore where we showcase and allow artists to sell their creations.

“Through this three-week-long arts festival event, we aim to provide a platform especially, for young artists to harness their talents through live and online workshops, showcase their creativity through competitions and, most of all, create a fun atmosphere for the whole family to enjoy.”

More than 30 artists from Bahrain, Turkey, India, the UK, Philippines and several other countries, are taking part in the exhibition which is being held in collaboration with Hannadi Arts, Haifa Arts, Art Attack Krew and Britus International School. With 40 artworks on display, the exhibit is also celebrating Al Manar Stationery’s 40 years in Bahrain.

Al Manar Stationery’s general manager Khalid Al Salehi and public relations and marketing manager Cristina Fulgencio attended the official opening last Thursday.

Hannadi Sultan described how five young artists from her art institute, including her 16-year-old son, Yaqub, showcased their work at the exhibition.

“I have several young talents, whose ages range from six to 16, joining this event,” she said. “I’m glad to see young people in Bahrain able to express their emotions and show their skills.”

Bahraini Dana Khalid, 16, who is studying in the UK, was pleased to participate as she would like to take art up as a profession. She entered her painting of a dolphin and this was her first exhibition.

Art Attack Krew’s Turkish painter Çağla Akpınar, has 15 artworks on display, following a successful art fund-raising event to support animal shelter charities. The 27-year-old, part of a 30-strong international group, said: “We have several paintings and graffiti work on display.

“Our main purpose is to bring creative minds together and to be able to showcase their talents.”

Live and online free activities are also available and include collaborative children paintings by Rawan Al Saati, arts and craft workshops, character and painting workshops, face painting and decoupage creative competitions.

For details, follow

@almanar_stationary on Instagram.