happeningsartsculture
Giuse Maggi
A Pliable Artist Creativity is in abundance here in Bahrain; but, often in just a few mediums. One artist paves the way for a less prolific style of art that grabbed our attention. If you look at the Middle East closely, you will see the inspiration that surrounds us. Rich colours, historic traditions, opulent fabrics and desert sands are in abundance, providing a natural canvas to be admired. As many Bahrain-based artists transfer these elements into their works, only one does so through the medium of glass. Italian Giuse Maggi is perhaps the country’s only established glass artist. The art form, as she passionately describes, depicts one’s personality inexplicably well; however the process of creation must be understood. “Following an educational background in geology, I understand and appreciate the scientific, chemical and physical aspects of creating works from glass,” she explains. However, the medium was not something that the artist originally thought would blossom into such a lifestyle. “I began experimenting many years ago in 1990 as a means to pass the time while I lived in Saudi Arabia. I was fascinated by the way that the glass interacted with light and so resolved to master the technique,” she recalls. It was here that she developed her iconic and award-winning piece; the Flying Carpet. This is just one clear example of the way in which Giuse is enthused by her Arabian surroundings; specifically the calm and somewhat subdued nature of the region. Most of her pieces reflect the colours, shapes and textures of the sea, sand and palm trees. Never looking back, she has since showcased her work in several exhibitions in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Italy. Here in the Kingdom, the pieces have graced major art spaces
34 July 2012 BTM
Summer Reminiscence including Albareh Art Gallery, the Cultural Hall, the National Museum and the Bahrain Arts Society. Presently, the artist opens up her in-house studio every week to teach this art form. “The process of creating one simple piece is a difficult and requires the utmost precision; it is a difficult technique to master, but beautiful results will be achieved. You must get the glass extremely hot in order to change its shape,” she says. “I create my artworks from large sheets of glass which are then melted into moulds in three large kilns.” An additional small furnace is used to melt glass and produce thin rods that are used in some of her most popular pieces. “Many of my pieces are made from recycled glass; I especially like the green colour of Perrier water bottles,” she says. Her work is diverse and ranges from small vases, to jewellery and to more sculptural installation pieces. Most recently she has started working with fibreglass; using the method to create 3D canvases, which can be enhanced further with paint. Glass artistry maybe one of the more complex branches of art, but through her workshops and courses, Giuse hopes to advance it into one day becoming a staple on Bahrain’s cultural scene. “To be an artist, it is not what you do but what you think. You must consider everything and understand the symmetry of it,” she advises. E Visit www.maggiglass.com or email info@maggiglass.com.
When? July 1–September 2012 Event? Print exhibition Venue? Albareh Art Gallery
As most of the Kingdom’s art centres close for the summer holidays, Albareh Art Gallery is taking the opportunity to display pieces from a large number of collections that have exhibited through the years. Among the works of contemporary artists to be displayed are Zuhair Al Saeed, Hussein Al Mohasen, Omar Al Rashid, Bassem Al Sharqi and Hassan Meer to name just a few. For the summer, the gallery doors open from 10am to 4pm and from 6pm to 8pm. Head down if you are looking to spend your summer days learning and exploring the world of local and regional art. E Call 17 713-535.