Features The Bahrain Link
Uncovering Bahrain’s Alternative Art Scene: Part II
Bahrain may be the smallest country in the Middle East and its only island state, but it packs a huge punch when it comes to culture.
Much of this "art scene" strives to debunk conventional notions associated with countries in the Gulf region, by exploring overlooked, deep-rooted heritages, diverse cultures and traditions, and artistic forms that have contributed to the formation of hybrid identities.
The most compelling art is often that which asks the hard questions, and this group doesn’t shy away from exposing the diversity found within its own borders.
In the second installment of a series exploring Bahrain’s alternative art scene, Dia Diwan exposes just few of the names leading this artistic renaissance.
Much of this "art scene" strives to debunk conventional notions associated with countries in the Gulf region, by exploring overlooked, deep-rooted heritages, diverse cultures and traditions, and artistic forms that have contributed to the formation of hybrid identities.
The most compelling art is often that which asks the hard questions, and this group doesn’t shy away from exposing the diversity found within its own borders.
In the second installment of a series exploring Bahrain’s alternative art scene, Dia Diwan exposes just few of the names leading this artistic renaissance.
Holding a degree in marketing and advertising (with a day job as a graphic designer), Waheeda launched her career as an established photographer when she won an artist residency in Cairo, going on to exhibit at the cutting edge Townhouse Gallery. This was followed by a three-month residency in London through the Delfina Foundation which has allowed her to exhibit her work throughout Europe.
Known for her thought-provoking video installations and photo essay’s that explore Bahrain’s tug-of-war between tradition and modernity, Mulullah has quickly gained a reputation as an artist with something compelling to say about contemporary Bahraini culture. One of her most memorable works, entitled Stopped Ball, employed the rules of football (a popular national sport) to illustrate the role of women within Bahraini Society.
http://www.universes-in-universe.de/islam/eng/2004/03/malullah/
The Sculptor: Khaled Farhan
It’s hard to miss Farhan’s distinctive body work, which can be found in many galleries and cultural venues throughout Bahrain. Sighting the work of Freud as an influence, his pieces often explore the idea of male and female forms. This translates into sculptures that fuse hard materials such as wood, stone and brass into seamless organic shapes that are often rendered at dramatic scales; creating landscapes unto themselves. Over the years he’s participated in international exhibitions; including several in Egypt, Oman, Japan, and Paris. His tactile forms invite viewers to touch and experience the different materials; an aspect of his work that has made him popular with a new generation of collectors.
http://www.kfarhan.com/farhan/default.html
The Filmmaker: Mohammed Buali
A lawyer in his 20’s, Buali has already established himself as a promising filmmaker. He gained recognition with his first award winning film, a 10-minute short called “Absence,” which explored the frailty and isolation of the elderly. The film demonstrated what a young and talented filmmaker could achieve on a limited budget, and went on to be screened at various regional and international film festivals; winning him the Jury Award at the seventh Rotterdam Arab Film Festival. Look for a full feature-length movie by this aspiring filmmaker in the near future.
The R&B Songstress: May Alqasim
A rarity on the R&B scene, this young Bahraini/Tunisian singer/songwriter has been channeling her powerful voice into a musical genre that has seen few Arab practitioners. Although much has been made of the hype surrounding the R&B scene, May practices a purer form that involves a lot of discipline and vocal strength. Sighting influences as diverse as India Arie and Lauren Hill, this multi-talented artist taught herself how to play the piano at a very young age. She has already performed at a number of live concerts around Bahrain and recently signed up with a local label, Outlaw Productions, to work on a new album coming out soon.
http://www.myspace.com/mayalqasim
Image: Waheeda Malullah.
