BAHRAIN’S history, traditions and scenery will be the focus of a major art exhibition to be opened next week.

Award-winning artist Mary Anne Wright Van Ross will showcase 60 paintings and prints of her interpretation of Bahrain and its people in addition to some mediums which reflect her connection with ballet.

She hopes Bahrain’s young artists will pick up a few tips from the exhibition, and aims to encourage them to come out of their shell to represent the country on the international art scene.

“It doesn’t matter what area you are from, it depends on you and how you get to the next level,” she said.

“You will maybe step out of your comfort zone only by being a bit braver than the artists around.

“That’s how change will happen.”

The event will officially open on Sunday at 7pm, at the Cultural Hall, next to Bahrain National Museum.

Scenery

Ms Van Ross has won many accolades for her work, which is held in both private and public collections in the UK, Australia, Canada, India, the US and Japan.

She began her journey as an artist at the Portsmouth College of Art and the West England College of Art where she received a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts.

She has contributed to the local art scene during her two-year stay in Bahrain and said she has seen promise in local exhibitions.

“I’ve seen a nice few shows at the museum,” she added.

“Some of the work was exceptionally good. It all comes from inside I think.”

Ms Van Ross’ love for ballet comes from her youngest son Jared, who is a professional dancer with the Royal Dutch Ballet in Amsterdam and a former member of the Australian ballet.

Her impressionist style of painting is evident in the short and noticeable brush strokes, which highlight the movement of light on the subject and the everyday common scenery.

Her paintings on ballet are also a clear example of classic impressionist paintings, which is a possible tribute to one of the founders of impressionism – Edgar Degas.

Attempts to shed light on local artists in Bahrain have been made, especially in the last year, with galleries spearheading initiatives such as the Buzoog by Naqsh Gallery, the Al A’ali Art Fest 2012, Every Life Has a Story sickle cell charity exhibition and the annual Fine Art Exhibitions organised by the Culture Ministry.

The exhibition will run until November 17 from 6.30pm until 9.30pm.

badriya@gdn.com.bh