The Bahrain National Museum recently opened an exhibition titled “Art Notebooks,” showcasing the works of the late Iraqi artist, Rafi Al-Nasiri. The event, which is part of the 19th Spring of Culture Festival, was attended by Sheikha Dawa bint Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, a member of the National Council for Arts, along with numerous cultural figures and art enthusiasts from the Kingdom of Bahrain.
The exhibition highlights Al-Nasiri’s innovative approach to blending Arabic calligraphy, poetry, and abstract art. His works go beyond just combining text and visuals; they also explore how art can document history and address social and political issues in the Arab world, with an emphasis on preserving cultural heritage and identity.
Rafi Al-Nasiri, born in 1940 in Tikrit, Iraq, was known for his mastery in combining literature with visual art through various techniques, including hand printing and watercolors. His art celebrates traditional craftsmanship and encourages visitors to engage with his creations as an integrated visual and literary experience.
The exhibition provides a unique opportunity to explore Al-Nasiri’s contributions to contemporary art, offering an immersive experience that reflects the enduring power of art notebooks as a tool for creative expression. His works are celebrated for capturing the essence of cultural stories, transcending time and geographical boundaries.
Al-Nasiri’s artistic journey was marked by academic and professional achievements. He studied at the Institute of Fine Arts in Baghdad and the Central Academy in China, before honing his craft in Lisbon, Portugal. He also founded the Graphics Department at the Institute of Fine Arts in Iraq and taught at various universities, including Yarmouk University in Jordan and the University of Bahrain, where he taught from 1997 to 2003.
Visitors to the exhibition will be able to enjoy Al-Nasiri’s works until May 16, 2025, with the exhibition open daily from 9 am to 8 pm, excluding Tuesdays.
