Striking portraits

BAHRAINI artist Feryal Bastaki is showcasing her vibrant art, representing culture, tradition, femininity and more, in a solo exhibition until the end of September, write Anjali Philip and Rima Alhaddad.

The exhibition features acrylic paintings that the artist created during different times.

“The artworks are mostly portraits of Bahraini women in traditional attire and gold jewellery, which is highlighted by the use of gold foil, adding a luxurious feel to the pieces. The foil is also used in the only faceless canvas displayed in the exhibition, showing palm tree trunks, for the purpose of adding highlights,” she told GulfWeekly.

The illustrator explained that she has a particular affinity for painting women’s portraits.

“I feel if there is no portrait, I would say that you’re eating rice without chicken. It’s empty, there is no soul,” she added.

Two experimental pieces that are displayed include a portrait that is painted on pages of a novel, and another that is brought alive on a carrom board - a tabletop game that originated in India, but found its way into Bahraini households.

“I had the idea to combine traditional materials with traditional art because the board is already framed. I thought, why don’t we join the two cultures, because I know the game is originally from India, but it’s part of the Bahraini culture as well,” she explained.

Feryal’s passion for art began at a young age, but she fully recognised and embraced her talent years later at university when one of her professors suggested she take an art class. That’s when she found her calling ‘by chance’.

“When I was 12, I used to scribble a lot, then in high school, I used to copy some artworks and my teacher discovered that and wanted me to join the art classes, so I joined a gallery in the school. You know, a talented person usually doesn’t know it until something happens that makes them discover it.

“At university, I wanted to take a photography course, and my professor at the time, the late artist Ahmed Baqer, told me there was an art class, which focused on drawing with pencil and charcoal, so I joined, and he was surprised that I can do portraits. So, in my initial period of doing art, I was drawing with pencil and charcoal, but later, I branched into oil painting, and eventually, I learned acrylic. I would also like to credit a Korean artist, Kwak, who guided me on this path. These two artists have immensely helped me grow my skills,” the Saar resident noted.

Despite her keen interest in the field, Feryal faced challenges, trying to pursue art as a full-time career, which she pushed herself to overcome.

“I used to paint like once a year, because at the time art was not as appreciated as it is now. Then, in 2020 (during the Covid-19 pandemic), because there were no exhibitions and we were socially distancing, I started drawing digitally and challenged myself to display my art on Instagram on a daily basis, and that’s when I started attracting an audience,” the creative said.

Since then, there has been no looking back. Feryal has displayed her artwork at various exhibitions and art spaces and describes the journey as ‘fulfilling’.

“My dream has always been to display my art in public, especially in hotels and malls, so I am extremely grateful, it is a dream come true,” she added, talking about her ongoing exhibit at The Art hotel and resort in Amwaj.

Feryal’s art is also displayed on the hotel’s TV screens in the café and lobby.

“Two years ago, I was approached by Ramez Nemeh from The Art, who offered me the opportunity to have an exhibition here. I am extremely grateful and thankful,” she said, adding that she is working closely with the hotel to bring other artists who can display their work at the property.

The artist also has a booth at Bab Al Bahrain in Manama suq where she displays her artworks, as well as a permanent exhibition in Seef Mall.

Looking ahead, Feryal is set to highlight her work in a series of showcases, starting with one in Qatar at the end of October, followed by a display at the Alumni Club in Adliya for Bahrain National Day in December.  

The artist also shared her hopes to own a spacious gallery, where she can exhibit her work and products. She would also like to see a permanent museum dedicated to Bahrani art set up, which will be a platform to promote local talent.

“We have temporary pop-ups and exhibitions that happen annually, but we also need a permanent space to promote local art and culture. I think that any visitor or tourist should have a place to go see the work of Bahraini artists regardless of when they come, which will also inform them on our culture,” she added.

Feryal’s artwork will be on display at The Art’s lobby until until the end of September.

For more details follow @feryalisshaq on Instagram.