site.btaRashid Al Khalifa Presents His Perspective on Rules of Repetition in Islamic Art

Bahraini artist Rashid Al Khalifa's exhibition Continuum features his latest works from the Spectrum, Waves and Les Roses de Bagatelle series. It opens on September 4, according to the Credo Bonum gallery, which is hosting the event until October 24.

The artist offers a contemporary perspective on the rules of repetition in Islamic art, artfully fusing traditional aesthetic principles with echoes of modern Arab architecture.

According to Al Khalifa’s website, the frequency and repetition of a shape in Islamic art creates the illusion of infinity where the symmetrical pattern continues beyond the bounds of the frame. Harmony arises from this state of infinitude.

"I am delighted to bring my work to Sofia and share my artistic journey with audiences in Bulgaria. Continuum is a celebration of tradition, culture and the ever-evolving nature of art, and I am honoured to present these works in this beautiful city. Through these series I aim to connect cultural heritage with a contemporary perspective, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in a symphony of tradition and modernity," Rashid Al Khalifa said.

According to curator Vesela Nozharova, Al Khalifa's artistic journey has evolved through different phases, from deeply evocative figurative painting to abstract compositions to large-scale outdoor sculptures where he boldly experiments with materials, colours and symbols.

She points out that Rashid Al Khalifa is currently recognized as the greatest patron of the arts in the Kingdom of Bahrain, holding the position of Chairman of the Bahrain National Arts Council. A passionate collector and patron, he established a foundation in his name in 2020 - the RAK Art Foundation. It is dedicated to the development of the artistic scene through the promotion of international exchange.

Rashid Al Khalifa was born in 1952 in the Kingdom of Bahrain. He moved to the UK in 1972 to study at Hastings College of Arts and Technology in Sussex. Inspired by Impressionism, on his return to Bahrain in 1978 he began his own interpretations of his country's landscapes, creating a series of works depicting the desert, the sea, and historic sites.

By 2010, he was experimenting with completely different materials, often dictated by the sculptural form of the convex canvas, resulting in a much more minimalist style. He then began to explore the smooth façade offered by his chosen material, aluminium. Al Khalifa’s works examine the malleability, mechanics and geometric processes involved in certain aspects of design and architecture, inspired by Bahrain's ever-changing landscape.