BAAB London 2016

A collection of over 50 pieces from 17 artists selected under the Bahrain Art Across Border (BAAB) umbrella, will be going on display for the first time in London at the end of the month, as part of the inaugural BAAB London 2016. The highly-anticipated exhibition will kick off with a private launch reception at the Victoria and Albert Museum on Wednesday 25th May. The artwork will then be relocated to Gallery 8 in the heart of St. James’s, on 8 Duke Street, where it will stay for 9 days, from Friday 27th May to Saturday 4th June 2016.

BAAB is a significant new arts venture designed to showcase the Kingdom of Bahrain’s rich creative talent to an international audience and further promote cross-cultural dialogue, broaden artists’ horizons, and introduce art collectors and enthusiasts across the world to the “talents and vision” of Bahrain’s artists. The project is steered by Art Select (brand of Art and Spice), an international art investing and consultancy firm, in partnership with Tamkeen, a semi-government organisation contributing towards making Bahrain’s private sector the key driver of economic growth by providing financial, advisory and training support to Bahraini businesses and individuals.

The 17 artists range from veterans of the Bahraini art scene to early career artists who are venturing into international events for the first time and include Amina Al Abbasi, 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.

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.

The artists were selected 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. Submissions were motivated by Bahrain’s cultural identity, its land or seascape, its environment or its people and inspirations ranged from the Arabian horse and its historic place in traditional Arab culture, to ultra-sound scans, religious iconography, and the art of tea.

The selection gives new exposure to four ‘artists to watch’ along with more established names and also throws the spotlight on the work of 12 female artists among the 17, reflecting the growing influence of an important group of women.

It is the first in a planned series of annual international exhibitions showcasing Bahrain’s most talented artists.