logo
Sketching stories

Sketching stories

Gulf Weekly10-07-2025
Artist group Urban Sketchers Bahrain is set to meet up tomorrow as they continue to bring alive Bahrain's diverse landscape, in keeping with their goal to strengthen the kingdom's art movement and put it on the global map.
The local non-profit platform, which is part of the worldwide Urban Sketchers (USk) movement, was set up last year and has since brought together enthusiasts of all skill levels to sketch every Friday. What started with just three or four people has grown into a close-knit 'family' of around 50.
'Most artists in Bahrain are used to drawing from imagination or bringing alive photographs of what they might have captured previously. We hope to bring them out into the open and introduce a new format of drawing based on observation,' co-founder Sadeq Al Shehabi, who manages the group's operations, told GulfWeekly.
An urban sketch is a drawing created on location – indoors or outdoors – capturing what the sketcher sees from direct observation. The essence of the style lies in its on-the-spot, agile nature.
Some of the iconic locations covered include Bab Al Bahrain, Suq Al Baraha in Muharraq, Bahrain-and Arad forts, Grand Mosque on Al Fateh Highway, as well as indoor spots like The Avenues mall and the nostalgia-inducing Adliya branch of Hole'n One – Bahrain's first homegrown donut chain.
'We announce the location in advance and all are welcome. We just get together with our own art supplies and sketch,' founder and self-taught artist Ahmed Ali Alshakhoori, who has been into art and sketching for more than 45 years, said.
'You have to tell a story. For instance, if you draw a person, it is a portrait, but if you draw the person sitting at a table with flowers on the table… it weaves a story,' the airline industry professional, who manages the artistic side of things for the group, added.
The Bahrain Contemporary Art Association member from Malkiya chanced upon a video about urban sketching in 2012. Last year, he discussed it with his long-time friend Sadeq, who, upon research, realised there was no Bahrain chapter to the global platform and suggested they start one.
The global Urban Sketchers was formed in 2007 by Seattle-based journalist and illustrator Gabriel Campanario, with a mission to raise the artistic, storytelling and educational value of on-location drawing, connecting people worldwide.
'What we are trying to do here is shine a spotlight on Bahraini heritage. The world should know about Bahrain and our culture and urban treasures,' said Sadeq, a photographer and entrepreneur from Diraz.
'We are thrilled to share that we have officially signed a memorandum of understanding with the Bahrain Society of Engineers, and will be organising joint activities with them in the future.
'There's a lot of planning that goes into each session, with due permissions to be taken, especially if it's an indoor location. We will have more indoor locations now that the weather is getting warmer,' Sadeq added.
Zahra Ateya Ali, who volunteers as an administrator with USk Bahrain, noted that they select locations to inspire artists' creativity.
'I enjoy highlighting the variety of styles produced by each artist, and make sure that our community is welcoming to all ages,' the 29-year-old public relations specialist added.
According to Ahmed, two weeks ago, there were fans who drove from Saudi Arabia to attend the session.
While each meeting runs for a couple of hours, Ahmed encourages attendees to complete their sketches in a maximum of 15 minutes, in keeping with the 'spontaneous' nature of the art form, and to document their work. After that, everyone is free to continue drawing or socialising.
The upcoming session will be staged at Baku Cafe in Hamala Hills mall.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain in collaboration with HIPO Ambassadors Club hosts "Art of Cake" workshop to empower young Bahraini talent
The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain in collaboration with HIPO Ambassadors Club hosts "Art of Cake" workshop to empower young Bahraini talent

Daily Tribune

timea day ago

  • Daily Tribune

The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain in collaboration with HIPO Ambassadors Club hosts "Art of Cake" workshop to empower young Bahraini talent

In collaboration with the HIPO Ambassadors Club and in strategic partnership with Muharraq Model Youth Centre, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain proudly hosted the 'Art of Cake' Workshop — a culinary experience designed to inspire and empower young Bahraini talent. Led by Bahraini talent Fatema Alghannemi, a graduate of the HIPO Ambassadors Club and Junior Sous Chef at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain, and supported by Executive Chef Joergen Sodemann, the workshop offered a unique opportunity for youth to develop their culinary skills through hands-on learning and creative expression. As part of its collaboration with the HIPO Ambassadors Club, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain continues to nurture local talent and foster meaningful connections. The event reflects the resort's dedication to fostering individual growth and creating a lasting, positive impact across the Kingdom of Bahrain. For additional information about The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain, please call the hotel directly at (+973) 1758 0000, or visit the Ritz-Carlton website at Follow the hotel on Facebook and Instagram @ritzcarltonbahrain and join the conversation using #RCMemories.

East meets West
East meets West

Gulf Weekly

time4 days ago

  • Gulf Weekly

East meets West

A top Bahraini artist is taking part in an international art exhibition highlighting the meeting of Eastern and Western art styles, in the historic Italian city of Trieste. Rashid Al Khalifa Art Foundation president and National Arts Council chairman Shaikh Rashid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa is showcasing his works at the East Meets West expo being held at Palazzo Tergesteo. 'I believe that art has the true power to transcend cultural and linguistic boundaries and create a human dialogue that crosses borders,' Shaikh Rashid explained. 'My participation in this project stems from a deep conviction in the importance of supporting international artistic initiatives. 'The RAK Art Foundation is fully committed to backing projects that open new avenues for cross-cultural exchange and shared creative exploration.' Two of Shaikh Rashid's pieces – Altered States II and Circular Reflection – are part of the exhibition taking place at the historic building located in the heart of Trieste, known for its elegant architecture. Altered States II features circular formations, referencing Bahrain's manmade environment. In the enamel on aluminium piece, Shaikh Rashid explores modern architecture's physicality in relation to nature, focusing on attributes like material, space, place and the human condition. In the stainless steel Circular Reflection, Shaikh Rashid explores themes of minimalism, geometry, and the interplay of light and form. It utilises circular motifs and convex canvases to create a meditative and contemplative experience for the viewer. The exhibition is part of a broader initiative aimed at fostering dialogue between Eastern and Western artistic traditions. It explores the theme of 'lightness' through three lenses – Art and Life, Art and Music, and Art and Philosophy. Featuring works from a diverse range of artists, the event offers an immersive experience celebrating the intersection of cultures and creative expression. 'International art initiatives serve as vital platforms for cultural dialogue and mutual understanding,' Shaikh Rashid added. 'In an increasingly interconnected world, art becomes a vital tool for breaking down barriers and fostering common ground between nations. 'At our foundation, we are committed to fostering diverse, inclusive creative spaces that promote collaboration and innovation.' On the sidelines of the exhibition's inauguration, Shaikh Rashid met Trieste mayor Roberto Dipiazza, who praised the artist's work and his contribution to international cultural discourse. The exhibition is curated by Laura Krainz-Leupoldt, and led by the Germany-based KLK Foundation in partnership with the RAK Art Foundation. Ms Krainz-Leupoldt described Trieste as the ideal host city, noting its multicultural heritage and long-standing role as a meeting point between East and West. She said the exhibition presents 'lightness' not as superficial, but as a concept grounded in authenticity, clarity, and inspiration. Supported by the patronage of the Trieste municipality and the Trieste Press Club, the exhibition is currently accessible to small groups by invitation, with plans to open to the wider public through guided tours in the near future. For more details, follow @rashidalkhalifaart and @rakartfoundation on Instagram.

You've got a friend in me!
You've got a friend in me!

Gulf Weekly

time4 days ago

  • Gulf Weekly

You've got a friend in me!

Gift giving is a universal love language and what better way to tell your mate or gang of friends that you care. This International Friendship Day, GulfWeekly lists down some out-of-the-box ideas to surprise your loved ones. 1) Eco-friendly Friend Lately, mindful gifts have been gaining popularity. Perhaps a plant or a herb garden kit, or a solar-powered gadget. Other options include sustainable clothing or makeup, plantable greeting cards, reusable water bottles … be creative! 2) Customisable blocks They are all the rage on TikTok. Many companies create sets that let you build a Lego replica of a pet or even a favourite fictional character. If this doesn't make you the favourite friend, we don't know what else will! 3) Re-create old memories This was a viral trend on social media a while ago, with some content creators still producing similar videos, where they stitch an old photo in which they're posing in a particular style or wearing certain coloured clothes, or standing in a certain order, with a new photo posing and standing in the same way, showing the efflux of time a decade or more later. 4) A radio message Leave words of endearment for that special human in your life at the local radio station. Most channels will be willing to air the messages with the person's name. That way, all of Bahrain gets to witness the affection you have for each other. 5) Memory book This one's great especially for a long-distance friend. Gather memorabilia, like old movie tickets or photographs from over the decades, and assemble a treasure trove of precious moments. Nothing screams 'I love you' like a hand-made gift because it shows that you were willing to put in the effort. 6) Artistic tribute Commission a local artist to paint or sketch a portrait for your friend. Perhaps a caricature of them or one with their pet. The idea of a gift is to give something people wouldn't typically buy for themselves. It is a fun gift, which also supports local talent – what's not to like! 7) Offbeat adventures Get out of your comfort zones together. Embark on that long-planned trip to sky dive in Spain, or sign up for a cooking class or a yoga or spin session at the gym. It's now or never! 8) Girls just want to have fun There's nothing like pouring your heart out to your girls in between sips of bubbly and pretty-looking bites. Book an afternoon tea with your pals.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store