Washington, : An art exhibition, themed “The Sea of Life: Modern and Contemporary Art from The Kingdom of Bahrain” has opened in the US Capital, Washington.
The event is organised by the National Council for Arts (NCA), in cooperation with the Middle East Institute (MEI) and the Rashid Al Khalifa Art Foundation.
His Highness Shaikh Turki bin Rashid Al Khalifa, NCA Deputy Chairman, and Shaikh Abdulla bin Rashid Al Khalifa, Bahrain’s Ambassador to US, in addition to ambassadors accredited to the US, US congressmen and those interested in the fine art movement attended the opening ceremony.
The exhibition opening featured a panel discussion on contemporary art in Bahrain, in addition to a walk-through of the exhibition to be informed about the exhibited artworks.
HH Shaikh Turki bin Rashid delivered a statement in which he expressed pleasure at opening the first international event organised by NCA since its establishment in 2021.
He praised His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s establishment of the National Council for Arts to support Bahraini artists, commending the constant efforts of the government, led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to put in place all requirements for artists to be creative and showcase their talent.
His Highness indicated that the National Council for Arts, led by Shaikh Rashid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, encourages investment in the art sector in the kingdom in order to promote the artistic landscape in the kingdom, adding that pioneering Bahraini artists are recognised globally.
HH Shaikh Turki bin Rashid affirmed that Bahrain boasts a rich history in music, theatre, and other forms of artistic expression, noting that the NCA is committed to developing such artistic fields, creating more opportunities for Bahraini artists locally and internationally, as well as enhancing artistic cooperation with other countries.
His Highness expressed thanks and appreciation to Kate Seelye, Senior Vice-President at MEI, and Lyne Sneige, the Director of the Arts and Culture Centre at MEI for the tremendous efforts they have made to ensure the success of the historic event held by the kingdom.
He also paid tribute to Ambassador Shaikh Abdulla bin Rashid Al Khalifa and the US Embassy to Washington for patronising the “Sea of Life” exhibition.
He also expressed the National Council for Arts’ keenness to strengthen its partnership with the Middle East Institute.
Kate Seelye appreciated the ongoing partnership between Bahrain’s National Council for Arts and the MEI, praising the attendance of HH Shaikh Turki bin Rashid, which, she said, reflects Bahrain’s interest in arts.
She affirmed that such partnerships will contribute to strengthening the Bahrain-US relations.
Held at MEI’s Art Gallery until March 30, 2024, the “Sea of Life” features 14 participating Bahraini artists who explore their deep connection to the kingdom’s landscape, natural resources, rituals and mythology.
The participating artists include Rashid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Marwa Al Khalifa, Mohammed Al Mahdi, Mariam Al Noaimi, Jaffar Al Oraibi, Abdulkarim Al Arrayed, Mashael Al Saei, Jamal Al Yousif, Nasser Al Yousif, Ibrahim Bou Saad, Balqees Fakhro, Aisha Hafiz, Ghada Khunji and Abbas Yousif.
