March 2022 25 www.bahrainthismonth.com interview It was this ideal that led Ms. Kanoo to take a special interest in engaging more youth in the art movement. “I want to engage more people in various forms of creativity, enabling them to pass on a message in a way that others will understand without having to feel any form of fear, aggression or hurt; it’s a simple way of passing on the sentiment and accepting it too,” she says. Evolving Over Time Al Riwaq is known for introducing and exploring new mediums of art in Bahrain and was notably the first gallery to have a video art installation. “I made it a point to travel and attend symposiums and shows in other countries and take things to another level here,” she says. “I took the responsibility of making it a non-profit concept where we could understand the issues and joy that we have in a modern way, with technology at times, but still maintaining a local identity and representing the person.” Over the years Al Riwaq has had several residencies and workshops to further inspire creatives. “Travelling and seeing what’s happening around the world makes you want to bring it here and reflect. The important thing, though, is that you cannot do everything exactly the same way – you need to adapt things to fit our society and community,” she says. In keeping with the times, the space in Adliya was consistently evolving and expanding, but that came to a halt in 2018. “We supported creativity and had a big platform. Our mission changed from having ready, pioneering artists to nurturing young artists too and evolving. Things started to become about the numbers, but I wasn’t ready to compromise the mission and vision so we had to leave the place,” she states. Making a Comeback “At the time, I accepted the challenge and thought that 20 years was good enough to really feel the impact of the space. What made me come back was the demand of the people, their reactions, the impact we had and the void we all had. I felt responsible… and so I felt my mission wasn’t accomplished.” As part of her search for a new location for Al Riwaq, Ms. Bayan initially set her sight on Manama. “Even though the plan to re-establish Al Riwaq in Manama was met with challenges, having the exhibition ready to go reignited the fire in me. So, we were lucky to get the support from Standard Chartered to use this historic house and allow the creativity to continue,” she says. The sprawling new space in the quaint neighbourhood of Gufool features an expansive garden area and café aside from the gallery space within the house. Workshops, an art library, ‘art kitchen’, lounge area and stunning terrace provide the perfect environment for creativity to flow. “Everybody has a history with Gufool – it’s nostalgic. Actually, this house too has its own energy and represents a fairly modern history of Bahrain. I believe it can be the new glory of Bahrain and revive Gufool since everybody feels so connected to it,” she says. “Al Riwaq is in a new space with its old spirit.” Nurturing Creatives In addition to the exciting new space, Al Riwaq’s young team is bringing inspiration to the space. “We have a filmmaker, creative entrepreneur, an architect, musicians and a team member who is teaching too. So, it’s very much a hub for creativity, with unique and conceptual ideas - an opportunity to grow,” she says. As part of their efforts to support the creative community, Al Riwaq intends to open a concept store which will allow them to sell their merchandise. “This is a place for people who think out of the box; we just need to allow ourselves to dream, think and implement. Nothing will come on a silver platter. You have to create, craft and make it,” she says, encouraging artists of every medium to reach out to the team. “Anybody who has any idea is more than welcome to touch base with us. We can work with them to adapt and allow things to happen,” she adds. Al Riwaq Art Space is currently hosting its inaugural exhibition Vision 20/20 which will be followed by an exciting exhibition as part of Spring of Culture 2022, Post Fiction: Manama, which will explore artists’ views on the capital in various ways. “I was very happy with the support of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) and President of BACA, Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al-Khalifa, who has always shown her unwavering support to enrich culture and creativity in the community,” she says. “I appreciate everyone who has shown their appreciation and the words of Shaikha Mai. It’s a kind of tap on the shoulder as if to say, ‘You are not alone. We are all here,’ and I’m hoping we all work together because this is all for the community at the end of the day,” she concludes. To keep up with Al Riwaq, their events and workshops, visit www.alriwaqartspace.com or follow @alriwaq on Instagram.
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