Art that speaks

BAHRAINI artist Hasan Habib is paying tribute to the differently abled community by showcasing a collection of his vibrant paintings in his latest exhibition, titled The Unknown, which ends today (November 21).

The display is being staged at Bahrain Contemporary Art Association in Juffair and proceeds from the paintings’ sales will be donated to the Bahrain Deaf Sports Federation.

The showcase, which was inaugurated by Bahrain Paralympic Committee president Shaikh Mohammed bin Duaij Al Khalifa, features 50 abstract pieces created using acrylic medium.

“This is the first time I am experimenting with a style that is outside my comfort zone,” Hasan, who completed the paintings in two-and-a-half years during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown, told GulfWeekly.

“Throughout my artistic journey, I considered spray art to be my main style, but while quarantining during the pandemic, I thought of experimenting with something new.

“I found myself enjoying abstract art very much, despite previously not caring for it. This is where the exhibition’s title came from, as the paintings were completed during a time of uncertainties, and the art style itself was ‘unknown’ to me.

“Abstract art to me is about not thinking too much about the work. So, what I did was pick random colours and just go at the canvas until I was satisfied. I would sometimes think I’m done with a particular artwork but when I looked at it later on with fresh eyes, I decided to add something else, whether it’s more lines or texture or colour,” he added.

This is the veteran artist’s first exhibition since 2006 and his first in support of a social cause.

A member of Bahrain Contemporary Art Association, Hasan participated in all its exhibitions until 1976. He also featured in all the showcases staged by the Information Ministry until 1976 and even won the ministry’s appreciation prize in the preceding year. The artist later took part in several private exhibitions until 2006.

The creative talent hopes to continue working with the federation and other charity organisations in the future to showcase his art and works by other artists, both abled and disabled.

“I believe we need to spread more awareness about the work of the Deaf Sports Federation, which is what I’m aiming to do with this exhibition, as well as that of other similar groups committed to the differently abled community.

“I am also grateful to Shaikh Mohammed for inaugurating the event and gracing it with his presence.

“I am someone who really leans into charitable work and think it’s very important. I was in contact with the Federation and approached them with the idea, and they ended up liking it and we worked on it until everything came together.

“To me, this exhibition serves as the first step with the federation, and I am hopeful there will be more steps and initiatives in the future as I will continue being in contact with them and developing ideas together,” Hasan said.

“We, the Bahraini people, can do so much more for people with disabilities. It frustrates me when I see a fit person taking a parking spot that is specifically marked for the disabled when they could have parked anywhere else.

“This is a matter of etiquette and manners. We need to respect the community and give back to it and this is my focus,” he added.

The exhibition is open from 7am until noon and then from 4pm to 7pm.

For more details, follow @contemporaryartbh and @ bahraindeafsports on Instagram.