24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Tribune
Bahraini Artist Seema Haqiqi Honored with Doctorate from Kennedy University
Blazing Trails in Wax and Flame, Seema Haqiqi's Artistic Journey Earns Global Recognition
Bahraini visual artist Seema Haqiqi has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Arts from Kennedy University – France. The accolade recognizes her pioneering efforts in introducing and evolving encaustic painting—a wax-based art technique—across Bahrain, the GCC, and the Middle East.
Breathing Fire into Tradition
Haqiqi's signature art form fuses wax, flame, pigment, and poetry, creating deeply evocative works that transcend aesthetic appeal. Through her encaustic paintings, she explores powerful themes of identity, emotional resilience, and feminine strength, pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling.
A First for Bahrain, A Voice for the Region
As the first artist in Bahrain to hold a solo exhibition dedicated to encaustic art, Haqiqi has not only carved her name in national art history but also laid the foundation for a new artistic movement in the region. Her creative workshops have served as incubators for emerging talent, igniting a regional passion for this ancient yet underrepresented medium.
A Humble Acceptance
Upon receiving the honorary doctorate, Haqiqi expressed heartfelt appreciation, saying the recognition reinforces her commitment to both artistic innovation and community empowerment. 'Art is not just what I do, it's how I serve,' she noted. 'This honor is shared with every student, every brushstroke, and every story told through wax and flame.'
Recognizing Cultural Icons
Kennedy University – France bestows honorary degrees to individuals whose creative, intellectual, or humanitarian efforts leave lasting cultural imprints. Haqiqi's award comes after a rigorous evaluation of her contributions to the global arts landscape and her role in redefining contemporary Arab expression.
Seema Haqiqi's recognition marks not just a personal triumph, but a shining moment for Bahrain's flourishing art scene—where tradition and innovation continue to meet on canvas.
