Transition to ‘new normal’

A GROUP of mixed media creatives aim to spread positivity and inspiration through art with works revolving around the world’s ‘new normal’.

The Transition - Journey to Embracing the New Normal exhibit in Oasis Mall Juffair, was launched with a ribbon-cutting yesterday by Shaikha Marwa bint Rashid Al Khalifa, director of Al Rashid Investment Group. It has been organised by the Filipino Creatives Bahrain under the auspices of the Philippine Embassy.

The showcase features a range of pieces by 39 artists from the Philippines, Bahrain, Russia, the UK, Poland, Jordan, Pakistan, India, Libya and Lebanon.

“The event aims to inspire people to continue moving forward in transitioning from worse days to better,” said Jeah Valerio, Filipino Creatives Bahrain’s public relation’s officer, who came up with the name for the colourful showcase.

“The title is an anagram of ‘Transit Ion’, a journey from one event to another.

“This exhibit is about the situations happening nowadays, in several lines of uncertainties, as the world transits from ‘usual’ to the ‘new normal’.”

The exhibit boasts artworks in acrylic, oil, graphite and other mixed media on canvases by artists such as Butch Paje, Sudeep Deshpande, Hussain Milad and Najla Hoss.

Contemporary and pop artist Butch, a member of the Filipino Creatives Bahrain, has featured four artworks that urge people ‘not to take problems seriously and take life as it comes’.

“The theme of this art exhibition shows the importance of art and the role of artists in spreading positivity,” said the showcase designer and visual artist from Manama.

“We suffered a lot during the pandemic. Through art, we can express what people have experienced and how they are surviving until we reach the period of recovery, and success follows.”

Butch advised people to ‘be resilient, compassionate and sensitive to what others are going through’.

Meanwhile, expressive artist Hussain who will be displaying two of his pieces, is pleased to be a part of the showcase.

“This exhibit is a great opportunity to bring together artists from different interests and backgrounds. They will be discussing what ‘Transition’ means to us, as we move away slowly from the Covid-19 nightmare while hoping for more pleasant days to come,” said the arts and design lecturer from Jurdab. He has taken part in several fine arts exhibitions, participated in joint exhibitions in Bahrain and the GCC as well as in art and cultural jury panels in Bahrain.

“My work mostly revolves around emotions; whether between people themselves or in relation to their surroundings,” he added.

“I try to bring these emotions in different ways by either dedicating the work to more intimate relations or addressing issues from historical or mythical backgrounds.”

Artist and banker Najla also adds feelings to her oil paintings as she exhibits two pieces from her Attitude series.

“In my paintings, I’m highlighting the personalities of the figures in a colourful and playful style,” said Najla who is inspired by everything around her. “Through body language, gestures and facial expressions, I aim to convey certain attitudes combined with sarcasm.”

Abstract artist, architect and metal sculptor Sudeep is displaying two works of art using acrylic.

“I think our relationships, are always in a constant phase of ‘Transition’,” said Sudeep who is inspired by his father Dr Sudhir, a sculptor and painter who passed away in 2017 and was enlisted in the Guinness Book of Records for the world’s tallest and heaviest metal sculptures from the year 1989-1999.

“My art reveals layers of human emotions, attachment, love, affection, dispute or disagreements,” he added.

“I think the theme of this exhibit is a multi-dimensional subject in itself and I applaud the organisers for coming up with it as there is so much to express in so many ways and mediums.

“As an artist, I feel whenever a good opportunity comes by, where we can express and exhibit our works, there is an opportunity to show our very existence to society.”

The exhibition will run until March 31. For details, follow FilCreativesBH on Facebook or @filipinocreativesbahrain on Instagram.