ithmaar group yalla bahrain! starts painting the nation abbas al mosawi leads national art project to celebrate bahrain and formula one
The Ithmaar Group Yalla Bahrain! programme of cultural and community events got into its stride today with the launch F1 Paint Bahrain. F1 Paint Bahrain will see schools, universities, businesses and clubs from across the Kingdom coming together for an artistic challenge. Last year a giant collage of images celebrating Formula One in Bahrain dominated the skyline at the Al Aali Mall after more than 80 individual canvasses were painted – and this year Bahrain is going 2D!
Led by the inimitable Abbas Al Mosawi, one of Bahrain’s most prominent artists, a total of 70 sculptures will be created underlining the unique culture of the Kingdom and the place that Formula One has come to hold in the community. The 2008 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix will be the fifth time that the world’s biggest annual sporting series has come to the Middle East and stands as the biggest sporting and social occasion in the Gulf.
“There are many new elements to the art challenge this year, the main one being that while last year we used canvasses to construct the community project, this year we shall be creating 3D sculptures instead,” said Abbas Al Mosawi. “Like always, the challenge will highlight the Formula One theme and is set to embrace all the elements of the sport including the cars, the drivers’ racing gear, the colours and the passion.”
Yalla Bahrain! is not only a celebration of Formula One but also a reflection of the best of the Kingdom of Bahrain. Abbas will be bringing out the colour and flair of the community through the programme and bringing the Kingdom vividly to life through his work. “We aim for these pieces to illustrate significant elements of our tradition and heritage that symbolize “speed”, like horses, gazelles and deer,” Abbas said.
“These animals have existed in our society for centuries so the notion of speed is not a new thing for us. We have also included elements of old Arabic calligraphy and Islamic designs and fonts that will be fused together with modern these modern day sculptures. Although I will be directing this project, just like last year, the children will have their personal touches prevalent on all the pieces, which will make them even more special.”
The artistic challenge will follow a hectic schedule of workshops across the country. The finished sculptures will then be revealed to a VIP gala on February 21st before they go on public display at the Seef Mall from February 22nd. Speaking ahead of the Ithmaar Group Yalla Bahrain! F1 Paint Bahrain next week Steven Umfreville, Commercial Director at the BIC said “We are really looking for to the art challenge here at the BIC. Abbas Al Mosawi is an extremely talented artist and I’m sure the event will be a huge success. It is especially exciting that this year the event is going 2D and will be using unique sculptures rather than canvasses. The BIC is looking forward to putting on aprons and getting involved as much as possible!”
Ahmed Abdul Rahim, Managing Director, Ithmaar Bank, said: “The F1 Paint Bahrain event was one of the most popular activities on the event’s calendar last year and we are pleased to be brining it back again this year. On behalf of the Ithmaar banking group, I wish Abbas and the participants every success and hope that many interesting works of art come out of the event.”
