Culture Weekly

A lasting impression

May 3 - May 9,2023
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Gulf Weekly A lasting impression
Gulf Weekly A lasting impression
Gulf Weekly A lasting impression
Gulf Weekly A lasting impression
Gulf Weekly A lasting impression

Gulf Weekly Mai Al Khatib-Camille
By Mai Al Khatib-Camille

Abstract artist Mohamed Taha starts the month of May on a colourful high by showcasing his painting prowess and techniques on canvas for viewers to enjoy.

The 66-year-old interior designer is displaying 37 of his artworks at the Colours of the East Gallery in Seef Mall.

Entitled 4 in One, the event is his fifth solo exhibition since 2015.

“Visitors will feel a sense of joy and comfort while viewing the paintings,” said the contemporary artist from Manama, who fancies impressionism. “Each artwork has a different theme or technique which is why I called the exhibition ‘4 in One’. I want to take visitors on a trip through the art world and I invite all art lovers to come and enjoy the exhibition.”

The two-week showcase, which started on May 1 and will run until May 15 from 10am to 10pm, features an array of pieces based on perspective, abstract, modern art and classical portraitures using acrylics.

His flair for the creative can be seen in every brush stroke, whether it’s a contemporary view of a busy mall or venue, or poignant profiles of powerful females and other Arabesque-themed pieces. Some of his work from past exhibitions can also be spotted in the mix.

Mohamed attributes his versatality to his passion for art since childhood and his schooling and participation in a number of exhibitions over the years. His brother Mahdi encouraged him to pursue his love for art by studying at the acclaimed Faculty of Fine Arts in Zamalek, Egypt.

Mohammed graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from a fine art college in Cairo and also received his Bachelors of Arts (Honours) in interior architecture. He is fluent in several languages, aside from Arabic and English, including Urdu, French, Persian and sign language. He not only paints but also teaches art and design.

Mohamed joined the Bahrain Training Institute as a senior instructor in 2002 and was a lecturer at the Bahrain Calligraphy School at the same time.

He taught a part-time summer course at Ahlia University and held drawing and colouring workshops at Ibn Khuldoon National School in 2009 and 2015.  He also staged workshops for murals and fine arts at Delmon poetry centre and for art at Bait Al Quran with artist Abbas Almosawi.

Meanwhile, he is a member of Bahrain Arts Society and is currently freelancing.

Since retiring, he has been able to solely focus on art, participating in exhibitions, solo and group, around the world.

He took part in the National Day Exhibition at Al Najma Club in 2014, ArtBAB in 2017, Art Hub Liwa Abu Dhabi in 2018, King Abdulaziz Camel Festival in 2019, the Gulf Art Forum in 2023 and more. He even joined the Art Bahrain Across Borders shows in Bahrain and India. He has covered several subjects from fashion, jewellery, graphic design and interiors.

Charity is also near and dear to his heart, having participated in The Big Draw Bahrain and other activities related to raising funds for RIA Institute and more.

He also received various accolades and certificates for his charitable activities and courses for different societies and centres such as Al Rahma Centre, Al-Kawther Society for social care and the Royal Charity Organisation.

For details, follow @mtaha56 on Instagram.







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