happeningsartsculture When? September 30 | Event? Gallery opening | Venue? Nadine Gallery, Mahooz
When? Until September 30 Event? Photography competition Venue? TBA Photograph the essence of friendship to win an iPod nano. E Call 17 574-100. When? September 3 Event? Book reading Venue? Albareh Art Gallery Join Rania Zaghir for a creative journey through children’s books. E Call 17 717-707. When? From September 14 Event? Art and photography classes Venue? Nadine Art Gallery Experts conduct art and photography classes for students of different learning levels. E Call 77 442-222.
Nadine Al Sheikh
Following Her Heart Ankita Mamgain This business graduate is today a forerunner of the island’s art scene. Bahrain This Month talks to Nadine Al Sheikh as she prepares for yet another milestone in her journey. “I am so excited. Success is a great feeling,” says Nadine Al Sheikh, artist, curator and the force behind Nadine Art Gallery. “It feels great, especially when you overcome the challenges and deliver within the set time-frame.” These days, she is busy putting final touches to her upcoming venture, a new space set to open in Mahooz on September 30. The new gallery is the third space under the Nadine brand along with the ones in Umm al Hassam and Gufool. “We have grown tremendously from the point at which we started, with each challenge and responsibility making us stronger. Nadine Gallery Mahooz is over 10 times bigger than the other branches and is a result of expanding our activities and goals,” she notes. Extremely proud of the new space, Nadine explains that it fits her vision and will accommodate all activities the other galleries couldn’t have. “It allows us to host a larger number of workshops and have much larger displays,” she explains. In her journey that spans a little over half a decade, Nadine has expanded her operations beyond the galleries’ walls. The brand today is involved in events, interior planning, framing, art classes and studio rentals. The Mahooz gallery allows her to sell art books, DVDs and other supplies.
38 September 2013
“The gallery will sell furniture made by local artists and designers. It includes a lounge as well, where art lovers can appreciate the creative atmosphere,” she added. When the arts came calling Talking about the turning point in her life, the former human resources professional says, “Everything happens for a reason. I was attracted towards colours, design and creativity ever since I was a child. This passion translated into the choices I made in life.” She recalls how she quit her job in 2006 and moved to Singapore for a year. “The art galleries, museums and culture in that country amazed and inspired me to have my own gallery in Bahrain. I started working on setting up my own art space while I was still there,” Nadine says. Coming from a family of artists, she attributes her success to her father, who is also her greatest inspiration. “He is very proud of my success and pushes me day after day to achieve more. He sometimes even gives me a few tips here and there,” she adds. “Launching the Annual Exhibition for Bahraini Female Artists (BFA) two years ago is an unforgettable time for us. It motivated me greatly to keep going.” The exhibition’s third edition is scheduled for November this year and is being organised on a large scale. “For me the sky is the limit. My vision is to turn Nadine Gallery into an arts centre. I plan to curate international exhibitions in Bahrain and take local artists abroad,” she adds.
When? September 11-23 Event? Poster design workshop Venue? Al Riwaq Art Space Ion de la Rocha conducts sessions on poster designs. E Call 17 717-441. When? September 12 Event? Poetry Festival Venue? MODA Mall The Folk Poetry Society brings together prominent regional poets. E Call 17 539-514. When? September 12-24 Event? Graphic design workshop Venue? Al Riwaq Art Space Graphic designer Ion de la Rocha conducts interactive classes. E Call 17 717-441. When? September 26-October 17 Event? Painting exhibition Venue? Maison Jamsheer Two celebrated Bahraini artists display their latest works. E Call 17 683-295. When? September 29-October 10 Event? Styling workshop Venue? Al Riwaq Art Space Join Leticia Orúe as she uncovers the aesthetics of styling. E Call 17 717-441. When? September 30 Event? Gallery opening Venue? Nadine Art Gallery Join Nadine Al Shaikh for a grand gallery opening at Mahooz. E Call 77 442-222. When? September 30-October 12 Event? Fashion photography workshop Venue? Al Riwaq Art Space Acclaimed photographer José Morraja decodes fashion photography in these sessions. E Call 17 717-441.
E Call 77 442-222.
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