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About the Artist: 

Jamal A. Rahim was born on February 3, 1965, in Al Muharraq, Bahrain, and was raised in its historic alleys. He continues to live in Al Muharraq, where he has built both his home and studio. His early years were deeply influenced by the sea, which he grew attached to as a child, spending much of his time immersed in its beauty.

Rahim’s artistic journey began after he returned from India in 1984, where he had gone in 1979 to study technical drawing, earning a diploma in drafting. Initially, drawing was a hobby, but his passion for art was sparked when he participated in his first joint exhibition at Al Hala Club in Al Muharraq in 1987. There, he met the renowned Bahraini artists, who encouraged Rahim to pursue art more seriously.

In 1988, Rahim joined The Bahrain Arts Society (BAS), where he was captivated by the etching and printing techniques. Eager to learn, he delved into these techniques, working in BAS studios. His first solo exhibition took place on February 3, 1990, at the BAS exhibition hall, where he showcased a collection of sketches, oil paintings, and etchings. This exhibition marked the true beginning of his career.

Driven by an insatiable desire to grow as an artist, Rahim traveled to several European countries, including France, England, and Spain, spending countless hours in museums studying masterpieces. He also invested in books on art to deepen his knowledge. During this time, Rahim fell in love with sculpture, particularly a piece he could not afford. This led him to explore sculpting with stone, a medium he has since worked with extensively, creating hundreds of sculptures since 2003.

Rahim’s artistic works express the profound connection between man and the universe, shaped by his identity as a Bahraini artist, his upbringing in Al Muharraq, and his close ties to the sea. His art is informed by the rich history of the region, surrounded by three great civilizations: Arab, Persian, and Indian. This blend of cultural influences deeply impacts Rahim’s creations, which are often infused with Arabic calligraphy. He views Arabic letters as integral elements of his artwork, believing in the endless beauty and profound significance of the Arabic language.

At the core of Rahim’s art is a passion for exploration. He continuously shapes the world around him into diverse artistic expressions through drawing, painting, etching, printmaking, or sculpture. His work remains a testament to his ongoing love of art and his constant quest to push the boundaries of creative expression.