Features

A Portrait of Friendship

by: BTM - Sat, 07 Nov 2026

Ghada Khunji opens up about her friendship with His Excellency Andrea Catalano, Ambassador of Italy to the Kingdom of Bahrain, exploring how photography, cultural exchange and shared humanity bring the two nations closer.

It is truly an honour to know His Excellency, a man whose genuine appreciation for art, culture and human connection has made a lasting impression on me.

We first met when he proposed a photography exhibition at the Bahrain National Museum. It was immediately evident that he was not only an avid photographer himself but also someone with a profound appreciation for the art of photography and its ability to bring people and cultures closer together.

Titled Crossroads, the exhibition was a collaborative initiative with the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities. It beautifully celebrated the cultural ties between Italy and Bahrain, reflecting the Italian Embassy’s enduring commitment to creating opportunities for encounter, exchange and mutual understanding – strengthening the longstanding friendship between our two nations. Bahraini artist Hanan Hassan Al-Khalifa and I, alongside Italian artists Valentina Eleonora Costa and Loredana Mantello, skilfully captured moments of connection, enabling us to recognise each other as people at the centre of our own seas, crossed by many cultures.

As our acquaintance grew, I was delighted to photograph His Excellency for my Akkas Portrait Studio project. The project invites people to step away from the fleeting nature of selfies and rediscover the value of authentic human connection. Through timeless portraits, I celebrate individuality, dignity and our shared humanity. Each photograph is presented in a tamper-proof forensic evidence bag, serving as symbolic proof of life – a reminder that we are enough, just as we are. Since February 2024, I have photographed 2,000 people, creating a living archive that reflects the diversity and identity of Bahrain.

Ghada Khunji, Bahraini photographer and founder of Akkas Portrait Studio I was equally pleased when His Excellency invited me to his residence to photograph a gathering of his guests, allowing me to extend the spirit of Akkas Portrait Studio into another setting and connect with even more people through my work.

What I particularly admire about His Excellency is the sincerity of his connection to Bahrain and its people. His commitment extends beyond diplomatic and cultural relations; he has demonstrated a genuine interest in the well-being, aspirations and progress of the people of this country. He understands the importance of creating opportunities, opening doors and providing platforms through which individuals can share their talents and realise their potential.

To know someone who carries such responsibilities with humility, warmth and a genuine desire to see others succeed is a privilege. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to know him, and I sincerely admire the meaningful contribution he continues to make towards strengthening the friendship between Italy and Bahrain.

Some relationships transcend official titles and diplomatic responsibilities. They are built on sincerity, mutual respect and a shared belief in the power of culture to bring people together. My relationship with His Excellency is one I truly value.