Join artBahrain.org
ArtEscape
September
Copyright © 2010, artBahrain.org. All rights reserved. Use of this site constitutes agreement with our Terms and Conditions.
September 2011
Canadian curator
Fran Stafford on
BAHRAIN
- a treasure trove full of the possibility of connection
Fran Stafford on
BAHRAIN
- a treasure trove full of the possibility of connection
What is the best thing about Bahrain?
The best thing about Bahrain is the wealth and diversity of the people who occupy the country. I have lived and worked in many locations in Europe and Canada and find Bahraini’s to have a certain charm- maybe because their close interpersonal proximity gives them an innate sense of friendliness without the xenophobia that tends to occur within a small country’s nationals. I have experienced more of an organic mixing of distinct cultural groups (foreign and local), perhaps due to being part of the artistic community; people want to come together to share multicultural values and belief systems. The people make this outwardly barren landscape a treasure trove full of the possibility of connection.
What are your favourite art museums, galleries and places of cultural interest?
I will have to champion Al Riwaq Art Space as a favourite in my personal opinion- and would do, even if I wasn’t employed here! When I first laid eyes on it, without even walking in, I understood the establishment to be of a different calibre than the usual commercial facility for promoting and discussing art. On a whole other level, two places that stand out on the interest meter for me are somewhat challenging and thought provoking centres of culture. Just walk around the Lagoon in Amwaj or ponder the looming giant facades of Marina West and you should feel a sense of awe for the idealized wonders that have not yet had a chance to bloom. Their sense of tragedy makes them a very interesting cultural subject as so many factors are at play in their existence. The confusion between germination, stasis and demise greatly reflect the wonder of man’s misplaced omniscient nature.
How would you pass a perfect day in Bahrain?
Let’s make it a perfect night: A hidden beach with sandy shores and phospholuminescent algae in the water. With a steady stream of aircraft hovering above ones head and the hum of their engines rippling off the water- it feels like heaven- and somehow like one isn’t in Bahrain. It’s the most relaxing place in Bahrain and the sensation of being weightless in the salty water is striking.
Which are your favourite restaurants’?
Coco’s and this tiny Indian restaurant in Manama souk by the Hindu temple where they give out lays of flowers- I don’t even know the name of it- sorry! Also, Al Riwaq Café!!! Errin the chef is a culinary genius and has the best personality to pair with his creations.
Whats the one thing you’d like to do in Bahrain that you haven’t done?
I have been dying to create an alternative public art monument that is interactive and digital.
Whats your favourite view in Bahrain?
In Riffa, on the hill that overlooks the desert basin below. And as Orwellian as it is- the lights from the industrial city at Sitra.
What are you currently working on?
Personally, a short story for children with a deep environmental and philosophical underpinning based in an unknown Metaphysical Bahraini reality; professionally, an upcoming exhibition by one of Bahrain’s prolific poets.
The best thing about Bahrain is the wealth and diversity of the people who occupy the country. I have lived and worked in many locations in Europe and Canada and find Bahraini’s to have a certain charm- maybe because their close interpersonal proximity gives them an innate sense of friendliness without the xenophobia that tends to occur within a small country’s nationals. I have experienced more of an organic mixing of distinct cultural groups (foreign and local), perhaps due to being part of the artistic community; people want to come together to share multicultural values and belief systems. The people make this outwardly barren landscape a treasure trove full of the possibility of connection.
What are your favourite art museums, galleries and places of cultural interest?
I will have to champion Al Riwaq Art Space as a favourite in my personal opinion- and would do, even if I wasn’t employed here! When I first laid eyes on it, without even walking in, I understood the establishment to be of a different calibre than the usual commercial facility for promoting and discussing art. On a whole other level, two places that stand out on the interest meter for me are somewhat challenging and thought provoking centres of culture. Just walk around the Lagoon in Amwaj or ponder the looming giant facades of Marina West and you should feel a sense of awe for the idealized wonders that have not yet had a chance to bloom. Their sense of tragedy makes them a very interesting cultural subject as so many factors are at play in their existence. The confusion between germination, stasis and demise greatly reflect the wonder of man’s misplaced omniscient nature.
How would you pass a perfect day in Bahrain?
Let’s make it a perfect night: A hidden beach with sandy shores and phospholuminescent algae in the water. With a steady stream of aircraft hovering above ones head and the hum of their engines rippling off the water- it feels like heaven- and somehow like one isn’t in Bahrain. It’s the most relaxing place in Bahrain and the sensation of being weightless in the salty water is striking.
Which are your favourite restaurants’?
Coco’s and this tiny Indian restaurant in Manama souk by the Hindu temple where they give out lays of flowers- I don’t even know the name of it- sorry! Also, Al Riwaq Café!!! Errin the chef is a culinary genius and has the best personality to pair with his creations.
Whats the one thing you’d like to do in Bahrain that you haven’t done?
I have been dying to create an alternative public art monument that is interactive and digital.
Whats your favourite view in Bahrain?
In Riffa, on the hill that overlooks the desert basin below. And as Orwellian as it is- the lights from the industrial city at Sitra.
What are you currently working on?
Personally, a short story for children with a deep environmental and philosophical underpinning based in an unknown Metaphysical Bahraini reality; professionally, an upcoming exhibition by one of Bahrain’s prolific poets.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FONDAZIONE ANTONIO PRESTI -FIUMARA D’ARTE
International Museum of Image
Terzocchio Meridiani di Luce - Sole di Mezzanotte
(ThirdEye Meridian of
Light - Midnight Sun)
Librino,Catania
Deadline: Ongoing
Terzocchio Meridiani di Luce - Sole di Mezzanotte
(ThirdEye Meridian of
Light - Midnight Sun)
Librino,Catania
Deadline: Ongoing
Call to Artist
- ArtCalendar
- Artists' Opportunities
- ArtGuide
- Art Fair
- Galleries/Museums
- Europe
- USA