GULFWEEKLY: A group of female creatives celebrated Bahraini Women’s Day with an artistic showcase featuring diverse designs in a bid to highlight their innovative roles in the art scene as well as inspire and empower others.
The exhibition entitled Taá, after ‘taá marbuta’ which is the nouns and adjectives’ feminine marker in the Arabic alphabet, opened its doors to art lovers on December 2 at Mashq Art Space and Gallery in Al Aali Mall, boasting 21 colourful creations by 13 Bahraini artists.
“The exhibition is a celebration of Bahraini women and it highlights their pioneering role in all fields, especially in the artistic and cultural fields,” said Ali Albazzaz, founder and manager of Mashq Art Space.
“As Mashq is a space revolving around arts and culture, highlighting the role of women is one of our many, if not, the most important interest.
“This exhibition features the works of Bahraini female artists with different styles and techniques to reflect the progress made by women in art. It expresses Bahraini women’s ideas, impressions and hopes.”
The showcase, which will run until December 16, includes artwork from Aseel Adeeb, Aysha Hafuz, Dawiya Alalawiyat, Fatema Alsada, Iman Assiri, Leena Ayoobi, May Al Alawi, Mona Al Moataz, Noor Al Sairafi, Seema Baqi, Shaima Murad, Zainab Darwish, Zainab Swar and Zakeya Zada.
Fatema, who has one piece on display, has been heavily inspired by expressionist and cubist artists. Her works feature vibrant, bold colours, geometric shapes and figures that embody and explore themes related to the process of growth, change and maturity. She used oil, acrylic, pastel collage and colour pencils for her piece.
Expressions: Fatema’s work
Fatema
“My message is for females to harness the feminine energy and strength within,” said the self-taught artist who works in finance and lives in Busaiteen.
May is also exhibiting an acrylic artwork that boasts textures using a palette knife.
Flower power: May’s artwork
Team: Ali with May and Shaima
“My art tends to lean towards meaningful abstract florals,” said the artist who works in the Education Ministry’s policy and curriculum development department. “I believe roses can resolve differences and conflicts that occur in the hidden world of man, despite adhering to the principle that roses cannot solve all problems, but they are a great beginning. From this standpoint, the simple, concise work and the intense colours are balanced in the idea that strength lies in everyone, but where do you use it?
“One’s reflection lies in one’s truth - I believe these words depict the idea of a Bahraini woman. As for the spiritual aspect, it is possible to describe her as having the kindest character. Whether you give her something or not, she always reflects goodness. Just as a plant grows with water and in desertification.”
Meanwhile, Noor, an entrepreneur and artist, has two pieces on display using mixed media on canvas.
“My art is inspired by the beauty of nature surrounding us,” she said. “They depict the contrast between solid, defined forms and transparent, fluid elements in nature, capturing the delicate harmony between such contrasting elements and inviting viewers to contemplate the hidden layers and meanings within the work.
“On Bahraini Women’s Day, we celebrate the remarkable creativity and unwavering determination of women in Bahrain.
“They have consistently demonstrated their ability to make their mark in the realms of art, innovation, and countless other fields. Through their boundless creativity, women have enriched lives with their unique perspectives, imaginative ideas, and artistic expressions that inspire and challenge us to see the world through a different lens.”
Another piece on show
Bahraini Women’s Day, which was initiated by Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of His Majesty King Hamad and Supreme Council for Women president, was launched on December 1, 2008 to celebrate their achievements and contributions to the kingdom.
For details, follow @mashqart on Instagram.
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