From the river to the sea

ARTISTS from around the world, including Bahrain, have joined hands to express their solidarity for the Palestinian cause through an online exhibition, ­­ Melissa Nazareth.

Russian expatriate Alexandra Novik-Khamis, 36, is one of the 100 creative talents from across 22 countries to have participated in the showcase entitled The Reflection of Arts 2024, which presents diverse artistic interpretations of the crisis in Gaza.

The entries have been curated by Hina Qadeer from Pakistan who conceived and brought the idea alive under her banner La Maison D’art, an international platform promoting the work of artistic talents worldwide. She invited artists from countries including Columbia, Equador, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Syria, Taiwan, Türkiye, the US, Romania and Spain to share their work.

The Reflection of Arts 2024 is the platform’s first international exhibition launched last month on Instagram @hiina.q and is available to view digitally.

“I met Hina online and accepted her invitation as the Palestinian cause is close to my heart. I’m the only artist from Bahrain and it has been an enriching experience to show my support alongside all these talented people from around the globe,” Alexandra told GulfWeekly.

The full-time artist from Amwaj submitted three paintings of which the one entitled Bravery was shortlisted. The portrait was executed as oil on canvas to allow for ‘rich, vivid colours and a depth that acrylic or other media might not achieve’.

Oil paints also give the piece ‘a texture and luminosity that reflects the emotional intensity of the subject’.

“The central figure in Bravery is a strong Palestinian woman, depicted in a striking and dynamic pose,” Alexandra said.

“Her attire is adorned with the colours of the Palestinian flag – black, white, green and red. This choice is not merely decorative but deeply symbolic. The flag’s colours represent the struggles and resilience of the Palestinian people, and through the woman’s portrayal, I aimed to highlight their courage and perseverance.

“The background is a blend of yellow that symbolises the tumultuous landscape of the region, as well as hope. This blending of abstraction with cultural elements is a hallmark of my style, creating a bridge between the personal and the universal.

“My signature style often involves a fusion of realistic portraiture with abstract elements.

“In Bravery, the realistic depiction of the woman’s expression and attire contrasts with the abstracted background, which serves to ground the figure in reality and place her within a broader, more symbolic context.

“The vibrant colours and dynamic composition are also characteristic of my work, aiming to evoke both emotion and thought.”

According to the artist, the piece ‘is more than just a visual representation; it’s an emotional statement on strength and solidarity’.

“I hope it resonates deeply with viewers, bringing attention to the ongoing struggles and the indomitable spirit of the Palestinian people,” she added.

Alexandra has called Bahrain home for the last 15 years and lives in the kingdom with her sister. She is also an active member of the Russian social and cultural community.

For details, follow @shuroop on Instagram.