Latest news with #RashidAlKhalifaArtFoundation
Gulf Weekly
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
- 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.
Daily Tribune
11-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Tribune
BIC and RAK Art Foundation Collaborate to Infuse Art into F1 Grand Prix Venue
The Rashid Al Khalifa Art Foundation has partnered with the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) to transform the walls of the media center tunnel with vibrant graffiti art, unveiled as part of the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix Formula 1 festivities. This artistic initiative is part of the Foundation's broader mission to support local artists by providing public-facing spaces that extend the presence of art beyond traditional galleries. By doing so, the Foundation aims to foster deeper engagement between the public and the arts in unexpected, high-traffic environments. The commissioned mural spans over 60 meters and was brought to life by two of Bahrain's leading graffiti artists — Mahmood Al Sharqawi (known as HUVIL) and Mustafa Al Halwachi. Their work blends Bahraini heritage with elements of contemporary pop culture, creating a dynamic and culturally resonant visual experience for F1 attendees and media personnel.
Gulf Weekly
13-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Weekly
Culture of ceramic
Bahraini artist Nermin Habib is putting the kingdom's heritage on the global stage with her latest sculpture Flow, set to be exhibited at the internationally renowned Milan Design Week. The model, made of clay hand-sculpted by Nermin and fired in the kilns of the kingdom, also features palm frond ropes weaved by Bahraini Hassan Al Shajjar. It will be showcased at the ninth edition of Isola Design Festival, to be held in Milan from April 7 to 13, alongside pieces by more than 50 international artists. 'The design process for Flow began with an exploration of movement and the idea of transitions—the spaces in-between where different elements meet and transform,' Nermin, 44, told GulfWeekly. 'I was captivated by the fluidity of waves and the rhythmic patterns of wind shaping landscapes, which felt like a powerful metaphor for my own journey between cultures, techniques, and ideas. 'Initially, I envisioned a form that could capture this sense of motion in a static medium like clay. As I started hand-building, the curves and contours naturally evolved to reflect the seamless flow of water and air. The raw, unglazed stoneware was a deliberate choice to preserve the tactile connection to earth, enhancing the sculpture's organic feel. 'Incorporating palm fibres spun in burlap was a turning point. This element not only highlighted Bahrain's weaving traditions but also bridged the tactile warmth of craft with the cool elegance of contemporary design. 'The process was very intuitive—allowing the materials and textures to guide the evolution of the piece. In the end, Flow became a dialogue between tradition and innovation, capturing the essence of movement and the beauty of crossing boundaries.' The piece came to life during Nermin's ongoing residency at the Art Station in Muharraq, a non-profit creative space under the umbrella of the Rashid Al Khalifa Art Foundation. Since she became a full-time artist just a couple of years ago, much of Nermin's work has been imbued with intricate and structured geometry, but with this one, she went with a more fluid and abstract form. She draped the original flattened piece of clay and let gravity and tension shape the piece while she worked on it, coming up with a model that 'feels both spontaneous and intentional'. 'The project unfolded over several months, with each phase demanding a different pace and focus,' the artist of Egyptian origin explained. 'The initial concept and sketches took about two weeks, where I explored various forms to capture the essence of movement. The hand-building phase was the most time-intensive, spanning around six weeks, as I shaped and refined the curves, allowing the piece to evolve organically. 'After drying, the firing process required careful timing to preserve the raw, unglazed finish. Incorporating the palm fibres and final touches took an additional two weeks, making the entire process about 10 weeks from concept to completion. 'This extended timeline allowed me to stay true to the material's natural rhythm, ensuring that every curve and texture told the story I intended.' A self-identified 'cultural nomad', Nermin grew up in Bahrain before completing her undergraduate studies at the American University of Cairo in Egypt, and her Masters in Fine Arts at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. After a corporate stint in advertising and technology, she returned to her artistic roots in 2023. With Flow set to be exhibited next month, Nermin is already hard at work on a series of new projects exploring the potential of local Bahraini clay, where instead of traditional glazes, she plans to incorporate glass, creating a dialogue between rawness and translucence.
