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Artists from across the kingdom are exhibiting an array of their colourful creations in the second edition of a successful showcase at the Last Oil Well Gallery.
The Solo Ensemble 2.0 exhibition, staged at the gallery in Al A’ali Shopping Complex, includes prints, paintings and pieces boasting different mediums such as cross-stitching on fabric or watercolour; highlighting the range of talent found in the kingdom.
“This ensemble showcases artists coming from various cultural backgrounds and at different stages in their creative careers,” said Tamadher Alfahal, gallery co-owner and assistant professor in the architecture and interior design department at Bahrain University. She is also the exhibition’s curator who was delighted to see the works on show.
“What makes Solo Ensemble different from any group show is that there is no filtering for the art and artists. Artists are given the freedom to bring whatever it is they want to exhibit. Usually other galleries would select parts or pieces of an artist’s work to be displayed. For Solo Ensemble, it’s based on the artist’s profile. They are invited and what is on display will be as much as a surprise for me as a curator as it is for those that see it during the opening.”
Tamadher added that in many ways this edition is similar to the first in terms of contributing to the local scene but with a fresh perspective.
“Providing opportunities to exhibit and help artists in developing their portfolios are two of the main objectives of the gallery space,” she explained. “Also, no commission is taken from the gallery. The intention is to give them an opportunity to present their work and encourage new artists or artists that haven’t exhibited before to gain the full benefit from their painting.
“The gallery will also bring to the forefront the local curators in an effort to create a curatorial collective that bring new projects to the local art scene.”
There are eight participating artists including Fatima Haddad, Mahfoodah Mohamed, Mariam Dashti, Merlin Charls, Raghad Ahmad Alyousef, Sara Abdulrazaq and Sheikha Khalifa.
Saudi/Syrian Raghad, a Bachelors in art and design with a minor in fine arts University of Bahrain student, has two acrylic canvases on display.
“I would like to extend my appreciation to Tamadher and co-founder Nada Al Aradi for allowing the Last Oil Well to be a platform for aspiring artists to exhibit their work,” said the 21-year-old living in Budaiya. “Their support for the art community has been extraordinary. Solo Ensemble 2.0 is a wonderful opportunity for new and upcoming artists to put their work out there, gain exposure and have the chance to meet other artists while also helping the Bahraini art community grow.
“It also features a collection of works that do not disappoint. It beautifully shows just how diverse and wonderful Bahrain’s art community is. It’s been a surreal experience to be able to exhibit my art in front of all those who supported me throughout my art career.”
Raghad’s paintings, called Breakfast in the Garden and Painting in the Garden, are a reflection of her life and a glimpse or moment of her day. They are the first in a series where she solely focused on capturing the moment.
Mariam, who mainly uses acrylic in her work and dabbles in mixed media, is exhibiting one large painting and says that most of her work tells more than one story.
“I usually pour my heart out first and then try to make sense of what I see,” said the 32-year-old Bahraini living in Saar. The former banker who returned to her love of art five years ago, finds inspiration from her thoughts and feelings. “Through my paintings, I aspire to form a connection with the viewers’ thoughts and provoke their imagination.”
Fatima, who mostly uses oil for her work, is inspired by the freedom of expression and connection with the soul through art. She is exhibiting one painting called Gray Rooms.
“I like to focus on the simple and deep message that affects the soul of each person,” said the 30-year-old from A’ali. “I also believe that a work of art is like a mirror, everyone sees what’s inside.”
The gallery is also exhibiting artworks from the ‘Together as One’ project that was created back on March 5 by different artists and themed around the colour purple – which is associated with gender equality advocacy and International Women’s Day.
The powerful pieces aim to help raise donations for Shamsaha, the non-profit women’s empowerment and advocacy organisation dedicated to help women who suffered sexual and domestic violence.
The exhibition runs until Sunday.
For details, follow
@lastoilwell on Instagram.
