BAAB Artists display preview ahead of London 2016 Exhibition

Manama, May 9 (BNA): Under the Patronage of H.E Shaikh Mohammed bin Essa Al Khalifa, Chairman of Tamkeen, the sample works of the first group of 17 artists selected under the Bahrain Art Across Border (BAAB) initiative, went on display during a VIP preview reception held at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay. The art on show forms part of the 45-piece collection to be exhibited in London at the end of the month, at the inaugural BAAB London 2016 which will kick off with a launch reception at the Victoria and Albert Museum on the 25th of May. The Bahrain preview event was inaugurated by H.E Shaikh Mohammed bin Essa Al Khalifa, in the presence of Tamkeen and Art Select representatives, esteemed VIP guests from the corporate and private sector, valued members of the media and the 17 artists themselves who range from veterans of the Bahraini art scene to early career artists who are venturing into international events for the first time. The event also featured the unveiling of the BAAB London 2016 catalogue and a short film that reflects the true essence of the project. BAAB is a significant new arts venture designed to showcase Bahrain’s rich creative talent to an international audience and further promote the country as an artistic hub on the regional and global map. The project is a joint venture between Art Select (brand of Art and Spice), the art investing and consultancy firm which launched the ArtBahrain fair last year and Tamkeen, a semi-government organisation contributing towards making Bahrain’s private sector the key driver of economic growth. The 17 artists chosen to showcase their work in London are Amina Al Abassi, Balqees Fakhro, Ebrahim Busaad, Faika Al Hassan, Ghada Khunji, Ghassan Muhsin, Hamed Al-Bosta, Jamal Abdul Rahim, Lulwa Al Khalifa, Marwa Al Khalifa, Nabeela Al Khayer, Noof Alrefaei, Omar Al Rashid, Taiba Faraj, Sumaya Abdulghani, Mayasa Al Sowaidi and Mariam Fakhro. The artists specialise in many areas of the visual arts, from painting to sculpture and photography and their London portfolio reflects the strength, originality and tradition of the Bahraini identity. Commenting on announcement, Tamkeen Chairman Shaikh Mohammed bin Essa Al Khalifa, stated: "Tamkeen works continuously to support Bahrainis across all stages of their development, with the ultimate aim of making the private sector the main engine for economic. This requires supporting them in reaching new markets and new avenues for growth beyond just the kingdom’s borders. The group of artists who will be showcasing their works London represent part of Tamkeen’s efforts to push Bahrainis and work with them in bringing unique Bahraini craftsmanship to new and untapped markets". Tamkeen Chief Executive Dr. Ebrahim Mohammed Janahi, also commented on the announcement: "It gives us great pleasure to be supporting a group of passionate Bahrainis who will be showcasing their unique talents and creativity. This group of extremely talented individuals, from established to early-career artists to veterans of the industry, have taken an important step in transcending local boundaries, and contributing further to fueling economic activity in this sector and opening the doors to the development of a sustainable arts industry for future generations." The work of 12 female artists among the 17 reflects the growing influence of an important group of women and also gives exposure to a few emerging talents who will be exhibiting along with new works from more established names. BAAB London 2016 will kick off with a launch event at the reputed London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, following which the works will then be moved to a London gallery. BAAB London 2016 is the first in a planned series of annual international exhibitions showcasing Bahrain’s most talented artists. Kaneka Subberwal, Founder of Art Select (a brand of Art and Spice), commented, "Today’s event marks the culmination of efforts from various parties to bring the BAAB vision to life; the works showcased provide a glimpse of the extraordinary pieces that will be making their way to London to represent Bahrain’s spirit, culture, people and landscapes. We appreciate Tamkeen’s support which is invaluable to this project’s future success and look forward to working in partnership to give the same opportunity to many more local artists to display their skills and talent across the world". "The opportunities and exposure that the BAAB initiative will offer is instrumental in stimulating the local arts scene and turning the spotlight on to the multitude of talent we have on this island. Bahrain is one of the richest in the region in terms of history, culture and heritage and this is manifested through its creative minds who have done a tremendous job in profiling their country with the highest respect and admiration", continued Kaneka Subberwal. The 17 artists were selected following an open call held across the Kingdom earlier last month. Applicants were asked to submit works in any media or style inspired by Bahrain’s cultural identity, its land or seascape, its environment or its people. The artists were chosen through digital submission by an international panel of expert judges including consultant Janet Rady, a London gallerist specialising in Contemporary Middle Eastern and Islamic Art and artist, curator and lecturer Dr. Aissa Deebi. BAAB has been designed to foster excellence in the arts through exhibitions and educational programmes that will serve as a catalyst for the future development and recognition of Bahrain artists across the world. Each year BAAB will select prominent creative talent in the Kingdom and provide them with the opportunity to exhibit their works in reputed venues across major cities in the world, including galleries and museums.