Bahrain’s art scene has been flourishing in recent years, with a new generation of artists gaining international recognition. These creative minds are pushing boundaries, blending traditional influences with modern techniques, and capturing the essence of their culture in innovative ways. Here are nine Bahraini artists to follow in 2025, each with their unique perspective and artistic contributions.
Abbas Al Moussawi
Born in 1952, Abbas Al Mosawi is one of Bahrain’s most passionate and dedicated artists. After earning a diploma from Bahrain Teacher’s Training College, he pursued Interior Design at Cairo University, refining his artistic vision.
Upon returning home, Al Mosawi committed himself fully to his art, establishing his own gallery to nurture creativity and showcase his work. His dedication to the arts has made him a key figure in Bahrain’s cultural landscape, inspiring generations with his vibrant and expressive works.
Sarah Aradi
Based in Bahrain, Sarah Aradi is a multidisciplinary artist whose work delves into themes of history, ethics, and societal narratives. Drawing inspiration from holy texts, literature, and archival materials, she challenges the viewer to reconsider the boundaries between fact and fiction. Through the interplay of text, line, and imagery, Aradi creates thought-provoking pieces that spark open discussions on ethics, social responsibility, and violence—both on a domestic and global scale.
In addition to her conceptual work, Aradi explores figurative expression through oil and acrylic painting while also embracing her passion for paper-based art and collage, demonstrating a deep appreciation for artistic fundamentals and traditional techniques.
Lulwa Al Khalifa
Lulwa Al-Khalifa is a self-taught Bahraini painter whose work is defined by bold colors and dynamic movement. Despite having no formal art education, she developed a deep appreciation for creative expression from an early age.
With a BA in Literature from Boston University, Al-Khalifa’s artistic perspective is shaped by her literary background. She primarily works with oil paints, using textured brushstrokes to create movement and depth in her pieces.
Her work has been exhibited both locally in Bahrain and internationally in London, New York, and Miami, earning her recognition as a distinctive voice in contemporary art.
Ahmed Anan
Ahmed Annan, born in Bahrain in 1968, is a renowned artist whose work often centers around the woman as an icon and muse. Nature and local traditions also play a significant role in inspiring his art.
Annan served as President of the Bahrain Contemporary Art Society from 2018 to 2020. Since 1989, he has participated in numerous solo and group exhibitions, both in Bahrain and internationally. He has received multiple accolades, including two appreciation awards from the Bahrain National Museum in 1995 and 2021. In 2002, he won first prize at the Bahrain Contemporary Art Society.
Zainab Noor
Zainab is a Bahraini artist known for her unique artwork, which she showcases on her popular Instagram page. She specializes in creating custom art pieces using white threads skillfully drawn on canvases. Her work brings people’s memories to life, capturing their favorite moments in a vivid and special way.
Leena Al Ayoobi
Leena Al Ayoobi is a Bahraini artist, designer, and the visionary founder of Dar Alfann Gallery. From a young age, she displayed a natural talent for art, developing a signature style that merges Japanese manga influences with Bahraini folklore, all viewed through a distinctly feminine lens. Her work, deeply rooted in her cultural heritage and personal experiences, has positioned her as one of the leading female artists in the NFT space within the MENA region.
Beyond her contributions to digital art, Leena has collaborated with major international brands, including Starbucks, GA Aviation, and Montblanc, seamlessly integrating her artistic vision with their branding needs. Her ability to fuse creativity with commercial appeal has made her a sought-after figure in the corporate art world.
Leena’s influence extends beyond her own work—she has exhibited her art both locally and internationally, expanding her reach within the global art scene. As the founder of NFT MENA, the first NFT exhibition in the MENA region, she is dedicated to shaping the future of digital art in the region. Her efforts continue to bridge the gap between art and technology, cementing her role as a key player in the evolving art landscape.
Mashael Al Saie
Mashael Alsaie is a Bahraini photographer and video artist whose work explores femininity, ritual, and representation through fragmented narratives. With a BA in Urban Studies from UC Berkeley and an MA in progress at NYU’s Gallatin School, her art blends critical thought with personal and cultural identity.
Her work has been showcased at Misk in Riyadh, PS122 in New York, and the Bahrain Annual Fine Arts Festival. She has completed a residency at Residency Unlimited in Brooklyn and is a fellow at the Salama Bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation. Through her thought-provoking visuals, Alsaie continues to challenge societal norms and reframe contemporary narratives.
Zainab Al Sabba
Bahraini artist, designer, and architect Zainab Alsabba uses conceptual and installation art to explore the inner monologue of human thoughts and emotions. Her distinctive works incorporate everyday objects, transforming the mundane into profound visual narratives.
Believing in art as a collective message, Zainab creates with simple, accessible materials, embracing a philosophy of "inimitable simplicity." Her artistic journey began with a passion for Arabic calligraphy, evolving into conceptual art that leaves a unique mark on the field.
Her work spans product and furniture design, continually pushing creative boundaries. Recognized for her innovation, Zainab won third place at the 2018 Annual Fine Arts Exhibition and secured audience awards for Hung and Stuck (2019) and Rather You Are Days (2021), cementing her status as a rising force in contemporary art.
Salman Al Najem
Born in Bahrain in 1992, Salman Al Najem is a multidisciplinary artist whose work dissects Khaleeji societal complexities through bold symbolism and industrial materials. His paintings, marked by physical intensity and dynamic gestures, reflect his deep engagement with cultural narratives and personal history.
Drawing from childhood influences, Salman filters his work through vibrant colors, symbols, and imagery, blending contemporary aesthetics with spiritual expression. He embraces chance and spontaneity, allowing the creative process to be an extension of the divine.
Salman holds an MA in Fine Art from the Royal College of Art and a BA in Interior & Spatial Design from the University of the Arts London, LCC. His practice continues to push boundaries, offering a raw yet refined perspective on identity and self-expression in the Gulf.
Rashid Al Khalifa
Rashid Al Khalifa, born in Bahrain in 1952, began painting at 16 and held his first solo exhibition in 1970 at the Dilmun Hotel. He later studied Arts and Design at Brighton and Hastings Art College in the UK. Returning to Bahrain in 1978, he was influenced by European Impressionist masters. His work focused on desert landscapes, capturing the region's luminous beauty and mysterious spatial effects.
Al Khalifa’s paintings highlight the interplay of light and shadow, reflecting the desert's unique atmosphere.
Follow us on:
Make sure to share this post and subscribe to our newsletter to receive notifications on our latest posts, as well as exclusive content and much more!
Comentários