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Painters and photographers from the American Women’s Association (AWA) are showcasing their diversity through art and images at their annual fundraising exhibition, which kicked off today at the Al A’Ali Shopping Complex.
The Visions 2022 exhibit, which is in its 11th edition, will feature the work of 22 members boasting their different perspectives, experiences and cultures in a colourfully creative collection for all to enjoy.
“AWA is holding this event for two reasons and that is to showcase the diverse talents of AWA’s artists and to raise money for our community service fund,” said Kausar Iqbal, AWA’s chairperson for media, who is also taking part in the event for the fourth time.
“Aside from raising funds to be donated to different charities in Bahrain, AWA is also holding such events to bring together dynamic women from around the globe, to promote friendship and cultural understanding.
“Annually, AWA donates to more than 30 charities in the kingdom. And while we couldn’t hold this exhibit last year due to the pandemic, we are delighted to be back. We welcome all to attend the event and see what we have to offer.”
The AWA Art Group, founded in 2007 by British self-taught artist Jacqueline de Freitas, includes members who have a passion for art. After their first successful exhibition in February 2008, the showcase took off - and in 2009 a separate committee was formed to organise the event, which was named ‘Visions’.
This year, Vision’s chairperson is Shikha Varma and AWA’s Art Group chairperson is Nadia Al Jar.
There is no set theme for the exhibit as participants have been given free range to express themselves.
“Each creative will be given a blank board to exhibit three pieces,” said Kausar, who designs handmade silk, painted and printed fashions accessories such as scarves, ties and home décor products. “My work is based on Bahrain.”
Art teacher and past AWA Art Group chairperson, Irina Averunos, will also have her oil and acrylic paintings on show, focusing on her love of nature, which she says will feature ‘warm, sunny and positive energy’.
The Russian-Jordanian artist has organised 10 Visions exhibitions during her term and her paintings are in private collections in Europe, Asia, Canada, Australia, Taiwan, Russia, the US and the Middle East.
The exhibition will run until February 7 and is open daily from 10am to 10pm.
For details, follow @awabahrain on Instagram.
