Elham

Bahrain’s Creative Arts Group

Find your muse:

Painting with Colours & Music – ELHAM20

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Elham’s second event of the new season will see it return to a favorite spot, Albareh Art Gallery in Adliya. ELHAM20 will be held on October 27th and bring together another group of artists that will engage you with their art and talent.

Bahraini 24-year-old Sarah Al Aradi, holder of a Bachelor’s degree in arts and humanities, launched herself into the local art scene earlier this year and has been making waves since. As a lover of Classical Realism Art, Sarah has been developing her own style, influenced by the likes of J.W Waterhouse, William Bouguereau, Frederic Lord Leighton, John White, Rossetti.

Shabana Feroze will be sketching faces from the crowd throughout the evening with her own unique style and show off some of her oli paintings while one-man-band The J.A.M. Project will perform for the first time in Bahrain. Started as a side project in December 2008 by Anthony Muthurajah, the band has been busy working on its first recorded, an independent E.P featuring music infuThe J.A.M. Projectsing Metal, Acoustic, Funky and Alternative rock.

Also debuting at Elham in October is journalist, poet and award-winning playwright Mahdi Salman who will recite some of his Arabic poetry. Mahdi participated in numerous poetry and theater festivals locally and regionally and has had his works published in a variety of print and electronic publications. Mahdi has also had two books of poetry published in Arabic.

The event will be held from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Entrance is free and all are welcome.

BAHRAINI AUTHOR TAKES HIS STORIES TO AUSTRALIA

PRESS RELASE

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A Bahrain-myth inspired story will “touch” the art community all the way down under, in Australia, during a special art festival. Award-winning author Ali Al Saeed will be taking part in the Arc 2009 Biennial of Art in Brisbane between September 4th to 27th.

An art installation based on the short story written by Al Saeed will be created by the author in collaboration with Irish artist Keith Winter. The installation will expand on the concept of the story, which was published in a 6-part series in the monthly FACT magazine, illustrated by Bahraini digital artists Fawaz AlOlaiwat.

The “Red Hand” tells the story of a mysterious supernatural phenomena that spreads in an primary school for boys in the mid 80s and leaves a trail of troubled victims behind.

“It was something that I remember from my school days as a youngster and as with things like that, they tend to stay in your mind as a kid,” explains the author, “In the story, I wanted to discover the mystery and delve into my own interpretation with it, while attempting to delver an important message,”

The art installation in Brisbane will be an interactive piece that will pull people to be involved with it, painting their hands in red, splattering their hand prints on the walls, and even writing their own “Red Hand” story.

“Keith and I developed an interesting concept that will see the story expand to reach further grounds. I’ve always felt that the idea behind the story had the potential to become phenomena. I hope we will be able to achieve that in Brisbane and then take it across the world!”

Artist Winter has also introduced an element from his own culture, The Red Hand of Ulster, to the piece and draw comparisons between the two myths.

Al Saeed will also be involved in readings and talks during his trip to Brisbane, which is sponsored by House of Travel, and will be attending the Brisbane Writers Festival (from September 9 to 13) and the opening of the Brisbane Festival, one of Australia’s leading international arts festivals, on September 12.

Our Partners

Elham is working with several organisations, art galleries and similar art groups. These are people who have supported us and collaborated with us, and continue to do so.

We create with…

Delaweb (Irelane)
Cuboid (USA/Ireland)

Metasenta (Australia)

Albareh Art Gallery (Bahrain)

Alriwaq Art Gallery (Bahrain)

Qal’at Albahrain Museum (Bahrain)

Thank You! We’ll Be Back

Elham is gone on it’s annual summer hiatus.

Thanks for everyone’s support in our 3rd season, which was another huge success.

We will now begin planning our 4th season, set to kick-off in mid-September with a full line up of great events and projects including a few new surprises!

We are always looking out for new talent. Email us if you are interested in taking part in one of our future events or if you are willing to lend a helping hand.

MuseLand: OUT NOW!

Elham Arts Festival ‘09 – FULL PROGRAM

ELHAM LAUNCHES FOUR-DAY ARTS FESTIVAL IN MAY

Bahrain’s popular arts group, Elham, is set to launch it’s biggest event since it’s establishment three years ago with an exciting 4-day arts and cultural festival featuring a wide range of activities and events.

With the slogan of “Art to the People”, the group aims to provide a creative and artistic environment that will showcase local talent and expose Bahrain based art to the public. From poetry, to music and from film to art, the festival will promote cultural dialogue and artistic expression.

The festival, to be held between May 13 and 16, is organized in collaboration with the Qal’at Al-Bahrain Museum, which was officially opened last year and coincides with the International Museums Day on May 18, a day celebrated every year by the International Council of Museums.

Qal’at Al-Bahrain Museum will be transformed into an art hub for the four days, hosting a variety of events such as workshops, performances and screenings, and will be open to the general public.

“We are excited about this event which we believe is the perfect way to conclude our third season. It embodies the spirit of Elham and celebrates the creative diversity that we in Bahrain are privileged to enjoy,” said Elham founder and co- organiser of the festival Ali Al Saeed.
Ali Al Saeed, an award winning author with three books under his belt, will himself be one of the participants in the festival, joining a group of established and promising artists from Bahrain. Others include Bahraini folk singer/song-writer Ala Ghawas, Bahraini conceptual artist Mariam Haji, and Bahraini digital artist Fawaz AlOlaiwat.

Irish artist Keith Winters and American artist Steve Mykietyn will conduct a performance and installation art project and workshop titled “Speed Towerz”.

The festival will commence with the opening of a group art exhibition on May 13th at the Arts Center from 7pm. On Thursday, May 14th, visitors will enjoy a poetry recital accompanied by an oud and acoustic music set followed on Friday, May 15th, by a music concert featuring local musicians at the Cultural Hall (has this been confirmed?) from 8pm. A talk on documentary photography by Lebanese artist and photographer Camille Zakharia will be held on the same day (May 15th) from 10am to 1pm.

“Such initiatives cannot succeed without the support and participation of the public. We hope that people will not only enjoy the art being showcased but also be inspired to create their own,” added Al Saeed, “

For more information please visit www.elhambahrain.net , email elhambahrain@yahoo.com or call (973) 3662 1223.

Going with a Bang!

A one of a kind cultural extravaganza coming your way in May!!!
Elham has pledged to always evolve and continue expanding, and that is what we have been working hard at on our third season. And now, as we near the end of yet another fabolus season, we promise you one last big surprise that will take the cultural and art scene in Bahrain by storm!

We are currently going into the next phase of organizing our second major event, to be held in early May, following the success of last years LIVE ART 08.  This four-day event will bring a new art in a new way to the people of Bahrain and turn it into a unique cultural experience unlike any other seen before. In the coming few weeks, look out for further announcements as we finalise our plans.

But in the meantime, we are in desperate need of volunteers! We are forming a organizing team that will be involved from the planning, organizing to the excution phases. So much work to do. So little time! So your involvement is NEEDED! We can’t promise you huge rewards, but one thing for sure, this will be an unmissable and unforgettable experience for everyone involved. This is you chance to be part of something special!

18th Monthly Gathering

Elham, in collaboration with Aldar Islands, brings you an evening of photography, art, video and verse inspired by nature!

The outcome of a unique creative trip to the sea, sponsored by Aldar Islands, in which a group of Elham members island-hopped, will be presented in this special evening. Participants include Khalid Khazal, Carla Sailba, Fardan Raffii, Anish Verghese, Nader, Ameeruddin, Nayla Fokeladeh and Fatima Al Saad and many more!!!

This is a prelude to a day out on Aldar Island for Elham members on March 28 on the island itself in which members will be able to dolphin watch, enjoy the sceneary, and go island hopping – to create your own “artistic” beach experience!

17th Monthly Gathering

Creative Arts Group Elham Presents:

A Magical Journey of Words and Music

at the 17th Monthly Gathering in February

 

Many believe that art is all about our ability to translate and express our life encounters, interactions, and affections creating; possibly without knowing, a sensational journey of unique undefined pleasure. Elham, the creative art group, comes back in February to present it’s 17th monthly gathering with yet another magical evening of artistic discovery. The gathering takes place on February 24th the venue yet to be unlocked will feature four astonishing artists who skillfully are able to translate their passions through their art. Spellbinding words and enchanting music.

The event will feature the brilliant award wining Bahraini author, Ali Al Saeed, who will unveil a poetry recital from his latest book “Sad Man Dancing”. The 30 year old writer started his profession in 1998 as a

 journalist and has published his fictions in various magazines and journals. He is known for his captivating style that moves the reader into his fascinating world. He was the first Bahraini to write and publish a novel written in the English language. The novel QuixotiQ became a National best selling novel .In 2004 Ali was the recipient of the Bahrain Outstanding Book of the Year Award.His book ‘Moments’ published in 2

006 is a collection of short stories, a powerful reflection of daily life with a light and almost dream-like touch. Ali’s talents extend beyond writing into expressive photography and filmmaking always reflecting an aspe

ct of his soul, mind and sometimes heart. Ali is one of the founding members of Elham created from his passion for a Life of Art and Creativity for all.

Another book will be featured in the event presented by the Bahraini artist Khalid Al Rowaie, who will talk about his new book “Tranquility…Nothing Else”. “Tranquility is like a whisper, it’s something short, where there is no screaming.” The book, which is the author’s third release, astonishingly combines poetry and photographic captures to present various human emotions over unique levels. The book is a reflection of how Khalid experiences life; how he thinks women experience the world; his view of life in the future and how he feels about his family. The poems originally written in Arabic have been translated into English by Ghada Abualfath. His first book ‘Lessons of Light’ was published in 2002 followed in 2004 by ‘The Body Text of the Internet . Khalid Al Rowaie, who is also Al-Sawari ’s Theater Director, illustrates feelings between people and the world expressed through powerful photos and words created over the past four years. The artist has participated in many plays, movies and international art festivals winning an admirable list of awards.

The musical element of the evening will be presented or rather played out of the classical melodies by Dina Khalil’s violin. Dina, who is currently studying architecture in the University of Bahrain, has been playing the violin for four years but her passion for music started long before that, “Music means everything to me, and since I was a kid I have been dreaming of playing Violin, as I find it a very great passionate instrument” says Dina. The 19 year old violinist has performed in many concerts and events around the island challenging herself to excellence .“Although I find Violin a difficult instrument to be learned, I enjoy every minute of playing it, and am still dreaming of becoming a great musician in the future to touch everybody’s heart.”

Finally, the evening will feature the remarkable Bahraini folk singer and song writer Ala Ghawas, who will perform songs from his latest album ‘’Whispers”. Ala’s interest in music started at an early age, playing the accordion and keyboards at school progressing to the piano and acoustic guitar during his teens. Ala is musically influenced by Jackson Browne and Bob Dylan. While studying at Boston as a Fulbright scholar Ala released his first serious recording project in 2007 entitled “Hums”. Ala magically blends sounds and lyrics with his warm voice creating tremendous moving emotions, reflecting his deep life experiences. “Whispers”, released on December 2008, comes to present another phase of a brilliant artist.

In order to create, ones need faith, strength, energy, empathy, and imagination. Our four artists have proven to be competent in them all. It’s not just an evening of art, but it’s an evening of four different lives and stories fused with enormous creativity. It’s an event not to be missed by anyone who cherishes art or lives to create. The evening takes place at 7pm 

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