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Members of the Bahrain Business-women’s Society (BBS) put their entrepreneurial prowess on pause early this week to feature their colourful creativity in their first artistic exhibition.
The week-long showcase entitled Entilaq, which means ‘take-off’ in Arabic, is being organised by BBS and sponsored by Naseej at the Safeya Ali Kanoo Hub until May 21, from 9am to 9pm, to promote 13 of its members’ ‘outstanding artistic talents’.
“The society is interested in all cultural and artistic activities that supports its members,” said Ahlam Janahi, BBS president. “We have a large number of members who are interested in art in all its forms and the society’s board saw it as a good opportunity to support these outstanding women in these arts. We hope this exhibition will be a strong support for them to encourage more creativity and development of these talents.”
According to Manar Sirriyeh, BSB’s board member and head of the Cultural Economic Committee, the name Entilaq was chosen to describe the take-off of the first art exhibition by their society, with hopefully many more to come.
The exhibition, which was inaugurated by Shaikha Dwa bint Khalid Al Khalifa, a member of the National Art Council (NAC), on behalf of NAC chairman Shaikh Rashid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, showcased artwork in an array of mediums as well as themes, highlighting Bahraini culture, nature, abstract art and interior design.
“It’s amazing,” said Shaikha Dwa after touring the hub that attracted several dignitaries, ambassadors, society members, professional artists and art lovers. “The works that have been shown are phenomenal and a testament to these women’s talents.
“Shaikh Rashid asked me to open this exhibition on his behalf, which I was really honoured to do because these are the most prominent businesswomen and to see their creative side is really encouraging. This clearly shows that you can have more than one passion and how they excel in multiple fields.
“They are multi-talented as businesswomen and to see their creative side as well is really great. I believe a woman is multi-talented, and again, you can clearly see it from this exhibition.”
The event featured works from Amina Hasan, Aisha Akbari, Badriya Abdulrahman, Fatema Abdulkhaliq Al Dilawer, Khulood Al Qattan, Latifa Khalid Al Shaikh, Maryam Abdulla Nass, Nadia Abdulla Al Moosa, Nawal Yusuf Al Sabbagh, Noor Saeed Al Sairafi, Rand Alkishtaini, Safeya Ali Kanoo and Salwa Al Moayyed.
Amina, from Riffa, shared three canvases called Crinkle, Revolution and Wall using materials such as cotton fabric and metallic gold acrylic to be displayed as poignant pieces to any home. She was delighted to be a part of the exhibition as was Iraqi-born Rand, who is an interior decorator and furniture designer.
“The art exhibition is great,” said Rand from Amwaj Islands. “I was very excited about it. It’s a good opportunity and amazing chance that BBS offered to its members. This is just the beginning for us.”
While Rand exhibited two colourful art pieces, called Freedom and Dilemma, she also showcased her furniture creations with a Quory Seat using tea pots and a Rakwa Table using Turkish coffee pots as stands for the surfaces.
“I like to employ art in a functional way,” she added. “I used mixed mediums, such as the collage and net with golden sheets, and hand painted too. It’s great to meet new people as this is my first opportunity in Bahrain. I used to exhibit in Saudi Arabia and by the end of this week I will also be exhibiting in Athens and London.”
As people admired her work, others were captivated by baker and gallery owner Latifa’s 3D-style artwork.
Her pieces are called Counter, Underneath the Moonlight, Urban and Appeal.
“Usually I use different techniques in my paintings,” said Latifa from Janabiyah. “I used different multimedia to create different textures embossed in the artwork and to create a 3D appearance for the audience. I used plaster, gold copper and silver leafs and handmade installations.
“Every painting has a different story and I would love to have my paintings placed where people can truly appreciate them.”
Another artist that captured the attention of visitors was Nawal’s collection of six canvases called Deep Blue, Tree of Life, Waves, Invisible, Colours Talk and Night Voices.
“I put my feelings in the paintings which is why you can see different emotions in my work,” said Nawal, who is an artist that owns a flower and events shop and lives in Sanad. “I believe anyone that puts their emotions into something is an artist.
“I used acrylic and mixed-media. When I first started I used to paint portraits with oil but during this period I became abstract. While all my paintings are ‘my favourite’, I would still say that I love Invisible and the colour blue which is why you will see a lot of blue in my work.”
Doris Martin, BBS’s head of training and technology committee and the ambassador for women in tech Bahrain chapter, was thrilled to see so much creativity from her fellow members and can’t wait to see what comes next.
“It’s fabulous,” she said. “I feel Bahrain has conquered the art hub for the GCC. I knew most of the members are creative innovators and just needed a chance to showcase and this was the perfect platform and we thank Naseej that took the initiative to sponsor the event for us.”
For details, follow @bbs_bh, @salwaalmoayyed_art, @randalkishtaini, @noorartspace, @nawal.gallery, @electronique.bh, @maryamnass.art, @latifaalshaikh.art, @alqattankhulood, @fatimadelawer.art, @be_art_synergy, @awashakbari and @alamaaaniii on Instagram.
