5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Shines Abroad
TDT | Manama
Bahraini artist Rashid Al Khalifa has opened his solo exhibition, Quintessence, at QGallery in Berlin, offering European audiences a bold reimagination of Gulf artistic heritage.
Running until August 22, the show has drawn a strong turnout, reflecting growing international interest in contemporary art from the region.
Tradition meets movement
The exhibition features kinetic installations made of aluminium, designed to react to changes in light and the movement of visitors.
Inspired by the traditional Mashrabiya, a hallmark of Gulf architecture, Al Khalifa transforms ornamental latticework into immersive modern compositions that invite reflection.
His work blends structure and emotion, bridging history and forward-looking design while offering a sensory journey that speaks to Bahrain's evolving identity.
Cultural dialogue
Speaking at the opening, Rashid Al Khalifa said the exhibition was an opportunity to connect Bahrain's spirit with global audiences.
'I'm delighted to present my work in a city like Berlin, known for its cultural openness and love of contemporary art. This exhibition presents a unique opportunity to connect the Gulf with international audiences and share an artistic message that reflects Bahrain's spirit, history, and growth,' he said.
He added that he hopes the exhibition helps Bahraini art gain more global recognition.
Berlin's cultural canvas
Set in a multicultural quarter of Berlin, QGallery provides an apt backdrop for the show.
The location is surrounded by signs of Middle Eastern life, from markets to traditional food and fabrics, offering an organic context for the exhibition's themes.
Art historian and independent curator Cornelia Lauf praised the artist's material sophistication and the way his work fits into real-life, lived culture.
'Sheikh Rashid's work looks great in all kinds of contexts, as it's a material work of the mind,' she noted.
With Quintessence, Rashid Al Khalifa not only brings Bahraini aesthetics to a global audience but also repositions the Kingdom's cultural identity in the heart of Europe's art capital.
