Artist Buthaina Shaheen Brings Isa Town’s Cooling Walkways on the Global Stage
From Isa Town’s walkways to an international gallery, Bahrain’s first misting system comes alive through the brush of Buthaina Ghanem Shaheen.
Bahraini artist Buthaina Ghanem Shaheen, from the Ministry of Municipalities and Agriculture recently took part in the international exhibition “Art Between Man and Machine” at the Fujairah Fine Arts Academy in the UAE, showcasing a work inspired by Bahrain’s first public water misting system for walkways and parks, introduced by the Southern Governorate Municipality in 2022 to improve public spaces.
Located at Isa Town’s rubberized walkway, the project uses eco-friendly misting nozzles to cool public spaces, providing pedestrians with a refreshing environment. As Bahrain’s first system of its kind, it marks a pioneering step in sustainable outdoor solutions, particularly for sports and recreational areas.
Beyond traditional canvases, Buthaina Ghanem Shaheen brings her art to life on pieces of pine wood, letting the natural grain and texture become part of the story she tells. This technique reflects her commitment to blending the natural environment with her artistic vision, a philosophy that also underpins her depiction of Bahrain’s first public misting system.
Shaheen’s journey as an artist has been equally compelling. Known for her distinguished portraits of national figures, including His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, his honorable sons, and Her Royal Highness Sheikha Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of His Majesty the King, she has continuously evolved her practice. Moving from portraiture to conceptual and environmentally themed works, she embraces projects that blend societal relevance with artistic expression.
By showcasing Bahrain’s first eco-friendly public cooling system internationally, Shaheen shows that municipal projects can inspire creativity, dialogue, and cultural pride. Her work encourages viewers to see how art, technology, and sustainability can coexist, reflecting Bahrain’s innovative spirit through her unique artistic vision.
The artist outlined her future goals, emphasizing a focus on translating municipal and agricultural projects into her artwork. She explained that her work could, for instance, depict specific afforestation initiatives led by the Ministry of Municipalities or highlight agricultural projects linked to farmers’ market.
Looking ahead, she expressed her ambition to showcase these creations at international art exhibitions, presenting the Kingdom of Bahrain’s experiences in these fields to a global audience.
Related Posts