A cultural bridge of connection: Kuwait, Canada mark 60 years of partnership

Arab Times

10-04-2025

KUWAIT CITY, April 10: Art and culture serve as powerful instruments of diplomacy, offering a universal language that transcends political and linguistic barriers. Cultural initiatives foster mutual understanding and goodwill between nations by showcasing shared values, diverse perspectives, and creative expression. They also build bridges of empathy and dialogue, reinforcing the foundation of international relationships.
In a vivid display of creativity and diplomacy, the Embassy of Canada, in collaboration with the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters, has launched a fascinating art exhibition celebrating 60 years of Kuwait-Canada diplomatic relations. The 'Kuwait-Canada: Celebrating 60 Years of Connection' exhibition opened on April 7 at the Kuwait Museum of Modern Art and runs through April 11. Featuring moving works of Kuwaiti visual storyteller Thuraya Al Baqsami and celebrated Canadian painter Reza Doust, it reflects on shared values, cultural richness, and enduring friendship. 'It is the perfect time to reflect on our partnership and decades of connections forged between our countries and people,' said Canadian Ambassador to Kuwait, Aliya Mawani.
Blending Al Baqsami's vibrant narratives, who is known for championing women in art, with Doust's soulful portraits and deep appreciation for Kuwait's heritage, the exhibition serves as a cultural bridge. It reminds visitors that beyond diplomacy and trade, it is often art that truly binds people together. 'This exhibition explores the essence of human expression, featuring the works of esteemed Kuwaiti artist, Thuraya Al Baqsami – an inspiring figure in Kuwait's art scene, and a champion of women's contribution to the country's artistic landscape, and renowned Canadian artist and portrait master Reza Doust, whose deep connection to Kuwait is reflected in his passion for its heritage, environment and people,' noted Aliya Mawani, in her welcome speech. 'It is fitting that the exhibition focusses on human expression, because diplomacy at its heart is first and foremost about people,' she continued. 'In their works, Thuraya and Reza beautifully capture the diversity and distinctiveness of our people, as well as what we have in common, what we hold dear, and what binds us together.'
Emphasizing the crucial role of arts and culture in diplomacy, Aliya Mawani suggests they foster understanding and cooperation among nations by reflecting shared hopes, fears, and dreams. She argues that arts and culture enable better problem-solving and relationship-building by providing a medium through which diverse identities can be explored and communicated. 'Art and culture is central to diplomacy, because diplomacy is really about relationships and solving problems,' she observed. 'We can do that so much better if we understand each other, and arts and culture help us do that, because it reflects our hopes, fears, dreams, and identity.' Additionally, she says, these cultural expressions create safe spaces for open dialogue and the exchange of ideas, which is essential for diplomatic connections and cultural unity. ' I believe art and culture allow us to have conversations. It creates spaces for conversations that we can't have in other ways. It also creates safe spaces where we can explore ideas and possibilities. I think it's integral to diplomacy and connecting people, cultures, and nations.' Ambassador Mawani shared her admiration for the collaboration between Thuraya Al Baqsami and Reza Doust. She highlighted their exceptional creativity, focus on humanity, appreciation for details, and strong power of observation. 'I love the collaboration between the two artists. I know each of them separately and admire their work. They're both exceptional artists and creatives, and I love that humanity is at the core of their work. They put so much wonderful detail into their work. What I also find compelling is that they challenge the idea of what is worth painting, who is worth painting, because their stories, the people they focus on, and their work is about the power and the beauty in each person.'
Highlighting cultural ties between Canada and Kuwait, Thuraya Al Baqsami said, 'I am more than happy to collaborate. It is a great way to focus on the relationship between two countries. Apart from politics and commerce, art and culture also play a big part in this relation. And when the Canadian Embassy chose me to represent Kuwaiti artists in this exhibition, I was delighted. It is a big honor for me.' Al Baqsami was especially happy to present her work alongside Doust, a noted Canadian artist of Iranian descent from British Columbia with whom she has a personal and professional connection. 'Doust is an old friend. It is easy for me to exhibit my work with a friend. He lived many years in Kuwait. He knows our society and way of life well. He is well known in Kuwait and has often shown his work here. I love his art, and this love and friendship is reflected in this exhibition.' Underscoring the importance of art in bridging cultures, she says, ' This exhibition is a good sign that both countries are interested in promoting art and culture.'
Thuraya Al Baqsami also expressed her enthusiasm for the international exchange of art and culture, suggesting that Kuwaiti embassies should host similar exhibitions to foster deeper international relations and enhance the perception of Kuwaiti artists abroad. ' I wish our embassies abroad would do something similar. Exchanging art and culture can only make relations between countries deeper and stronger. It will also enhance the image of Kuwaiti artists abroad. I wish more embassies in Kuwait would engage in similar activities and strengthen cultural relations by collaborating with Kuwaiti artists.' She was quick to praise the significant support provided by the NCCAL in facilitating the event, which affirmed the government's commitment to encouraging cultural activities in Kuwait.
Canadian portrait artist Reza Doust brings more than paint to canvas—he brings connection. Born in Esfahan in 1960 and based in British Columbia since 1998, Doust has spent decades using his art to build cultural bridges, particularly between Canada and the Persian Gulf region. His deep bond with Kuwait, the first foreign country he visited, has shaped much of his creative journey. 'Kuwait feels like a second home,' Doust shared. 'There's a natural cultural closeness with Iran, and I've always felt understood and supported here.'Known for his expressive figurative works, Doust draws inspiration from the complexity of human emotion—a glance, a smile, or a moment that speaks volumes. 'Every portrait I exhibit begins with a powerful emotional spark,' he says. Now, in his first-ever two-artist exhibition, Doust joins Thuraya Al Baqsami, blending their unique visual languages in a compelling artistic dialogue. 'It's a meaningful collaboration—viewers get to experience two very different approaches to figurative art in one space,' he notes. Doust continues to champion cultural exchange through his art, proving that a portrait can do more than capture a face—it can connect hearts across borders.