interview www.bahrainthismonth.com 26 September 2022 by Farah Baig As we celebrate 25 years of Bahrain This Month, we speak to one of the most prolific artists in the Kingdom who has made tremendous contributions to Bahrain’s art scene - Chairman of Bahrain’s National Council for Arts and Honorary President of the Bahrain Arts Society, Shaikh Rashid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa. He takes us on a journey through his creative life, and shares his top priority in the interest of Bahrain’s budding artists. for the Arts A CHAMPION Their vivid imagination and ability to create breathtaking works of art on a ‘canvas’ of their choice has made artists a subject of interest for the longest time. What people don’t always realise, though, is the sheer importance of art in our day-to-day lives. Think about the last time you took a moment to step back and marvel at a work of art. Did it invigorate your thoughts, make you experience a strong emotion, inspire you or perhaps provide you with a mental escape? It’s vital, isn’t it? Bahrain’s art scene, too, has been a source of inspiration, and there’s no denying that one of the most inspiring Bahraini artists of our time is none other than Shaikh Rashid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa. His extensive artistic journey began more than 50 years ago when he held his first exhibition at the age of 18. Since then, he has been a part of more than 60 solo and group exhibitions, in Bahrain and across the world, at some of the most prestigious galleries. With an extremely proactive approach, Shaikh Rashid is undeniably a champion of the arts movement in Bahrain having made several efforts to grow and develop the art scene, including the development of the picturesque RAK Art Foundation in Riffa. WHERE IT ALL STARTED Like most people, it was when Shaikh Rashid was in school that he realised his talent was appreciated. “Our teachers would ask us to paint, and on seeing my paintings I was told to persevere by them and my family,” he says. Soon after, Shaikh Rashid participated in a school art exhibition which was attended by the then Amir of Bahrain, HH the late Shaikh Isa bin Hamad Al Khalifa and the former
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