In continuation of the trajectory of the arts scene in Bahrain, the annual fine arts exhibition continues its conquest of the traditional visual boundaries and transcend limits by mixing colours with thoughts, brushes with love of the open-ended spaces. Held under the patronage of the Prime Minister, HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa. since 1972, the exhibition philosophy is free of any particular title or artistic direction, artists ‘contributions every year have been encouraged to be as spontaneous and uninhibited as possible in order to allow for a wide-ranging artistic and cultural debate, unconfined by any formal restrictions or boundaries. Full artistic expression is showcased unhindered for local audiences.
What was first established in 1972 has now evolved into a popular yearly gathering of artists, from all over the country, all eager to show off their talents and work completed so far throughout their careers . Every year, the fine arts exhibition acts as an innovative form for debate in which the different artistic monologues will have an exclusive opportunity to communicate according to the forms chosen, from calligraphy to surrealism and abstract and modernist representations to more traditional cultural expressions. Representing an opportunity to highlight different schools of thought, artists’ perceptions and ideological backgrounds are asked to evoke freely in order to instigate a dialogue about pluralism and artistic visions, experiences and expressions.
The latest Fine Arts Exhibition falls in conjunction with Manama being chosen as the Arab Capital of Tourism for 2013; such an event will continue to push the local talents of the country into the forefront and will help integrate residents of the country to learn more about Bahrain’s culture and history. Tasked with assessing the most notable entries in relation to artistic talent and creativity, a specialised jury committee selects the finest works both in terms of maturity and originality. What originated as an improvisation and an ‘out of place and out of time composition’, the collection of artworks invites the viewer to take part in the world of art. The annual exhibition’s artists involved have always used a number of different mediums from photographs to found objects, charcoal and pencil to digital manipulation, to explore collage and montage techniques used by renowned artists through the centuries – the results of the exploration equate to their own interpretation of senses and feelings. The exhibition presents images of contemporary lifestyle through the prism of nostalgia to a forgotten culture. The viewer is annually left to unfold the layers of originality, where words take new dimensions and memories map new perspectives.
