Bahraini and Indian communities celebrate art and culture
TDT | Manama
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The Abdelrahman Kanoo Cultural Center came alive as Bahrain and India came together for, ‘A Journey Through Colors and Melodies’, a collaborative exhibition of visual arts and music celebrating the deep-rooted cultural ties between the two nations.
The event, held on Sunday, December 7, 2025, was inaugurated by Mr. Ali Abdullah Khalifa, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Abdulrahman Kanoo Cultural Center, and other dignitaries in the presence of artists, culture enthusiasts, and community members.
Bringing together creativity from both sides, the exhibition featured works by prominent Bahraini and Indian artists, including renowned paper artist Atamjeet Singh Bawa, Ali Y. Ahmadi, Sudeep Sudhir Deshpande, and several others.
Visual dialogue
Their contributions formed a dynamic visual dialogue that highlighted cultural parallels, shared heritage, and evolving artistic identities.
A notable artwork by Sudeep Sudhir Deshpande explored the transformation of Manama, blending nostalgic references to the old city with contemporary depictions of its modern landscape, portraying Bahrain as a sailing ship, symbolizing the nation’s journey from its historical roots to its present-day growth.
Another artwork delved into Bahrain’s pearling heritage, depicting divers searching for pearls while highlighting the emotional weight of the trade.
Nation’s past
The piece emphasized the uncertainty divers faced each time they entered the sea, offering a poignant glimpse into this defining part of the nation’s past.
Innovation stood out in a paper-based artwork by Atamjeet Singh Bawa, inspired by the perspective of an astronaut viewing Bahrain from space.
Bawa traced the island’s outline from Google Maps and reconstructed it through meticulous layered paper cutting, three layers symbolizing the underwater base and sixteen rising above, resulting in a futuristic yet grounded interpretation of Bahrain.
Passion
Adding to the diversity of the showcase, Ali Ahmadi presented works that reflected his passion for experimentation and Arabic calligraphy, blending traditional script with contemporary artistic expression and reinforcing the exhibition’s theme of bridging heritage and modernity.
Organisers reflected on the deep bonds between Bahrain and its longstanding Indian community.
“This exhibition is designed to give Bahrainis an authentic glimpse into Indian art, and to offer the Indian community a heartfelt encounter with Bahraini culture,” the organizing team told The Daily Tribune.
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