By Henri Estramant.
14 February 2018, Kuwait City, State of Kuwait: Under the ægis of His Highness the V Emir of the State of Kuwait, Sabah IV bin Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Ali Al Sabah, donors and investors gathered in Kuwait to mull ways to rebuild the Iraqi economy and infrastructure as it emerges from a ruinous conflict against the Islamic State militants, who seized almost a third of the country before being beaten back.
Saudi Arabia shall provide $1 billion through its Saudi Fund for Development and $500 million in export credit, Foreign Minister Adel Jubeir affirmed during the conference.
Kuwait shall earmark $1 billion in loans to Iraq, and will commit to another $1 billion as investments, Emir Sabah IV bin Ahmed Al-Jaber Al Sabah said at the gathering. His Highness has in the last few years been one of the main donors and organiser of humanitarian summits to aid refugees from Syria living in Lebanon, Jordan or Egypt. Not least, he is also the main mediator in the Gulf in the blockade against Qatar.
Qatar pledged $1 billion in loans and investments, and the United Arab Emirates pledged $500 million but added that there were $5.5 billion in private sector investments in Iraq
Iraq received pledges of $30 billion, mostly in credit facilities and investment from allies but this fell short of the $88 billion Baghdad says it needs to recover from three years of war.
Iraq, which still owes Kuwait reparations from the 1991 Gulf War, declared victory over Islamic State in December, having taken back all territory the militants captured in 2014 and 2015. The group has been largely defeated in Syria as well.
For further information:
Al Diwan Al Amiri (HE Sheikh Nasser bin Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al Sabah, Minister of Diwan Al Amiri Affairs):
http://kwdlabs.com
Ahmad Al Faqi Al Mahdi.Al Mahdi case: Appeals Chamber to issue appeals judgement on Reparations Order on 8 March 2018
On 8 March 2018 at 14:00 (The Hague local time), the Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Court (ICC) will hold a public hearing in the case The Prosecutor v. Ahmad Al Faqi Al Mahdi at the seat of the Court in The Hague (Netherlands) to deliver its judgement on the appeal of the Legal Representative of Victims against the Reparations Order.
The Appeals Chamber in this appeal is composed of Judge Howard Morrison, Presiding Judge, Judge Silvia Fernández de Gurmendi,Judge Sanji Mmasenono Monageng, Judge Christine Van den Wyngaert and Judge Piotr Hofmański.
Scheduling Order for the judgment on the appeal of the Legal Representative of Victims against the 17 August 2017 order of Trial Chamber VIII entitled “Reparations Order”
On 27 September 2016, Trial Chamber VIII found Mr. Ahmad Al Faqi Al Mahdi guilty of the war crime consisting in intentionally directing attacks against religious and historic buildings in Timbuktu, Mali, in June and July 2012 and sentenced him to nine years’ imprisonment.
On 17 August 2017, Trial Chamber VIII issued a Reparations Order concluding that Mr. Al Mahdi was liable for 2.7 million euros in expenses for individual and collective reparations for the community of Timbuktu. Noting that Mr. Al Mahdi was indigent, the Chamber encouraged the Trust Funds for Victims to complement the reparations award and directed the TFV to submit a draft implementation plan for 16 February 2018.
The Legal Representative of Victims in this case subsequently appealed the Reparations Order.
—————
Picture by ICC
Wagashi demonstration, Japan Embassy, Friday, February 23rd, 2018 By Roy Strik.
The Department of Cultural Affairs, Press and Information of the Embassy of Japan in the Netherlands hosted a lecture and demonstration of “Wagashi”-making.
Much of Japanese art, culture, and cuisine draws on the principles of aesthetic beauty and the passing of the seasons. “Wagashi” too has a strong seasonal character. Each season brings its own delights, techniques and flavours.
For additional Roy Strik’s pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157693922958335
The style of “Wagashi” we see today, was developed between the 17th and 19th century.
European countries (like Holland and Portugal) had introduced sugar to Japan. It meant a new way of sweetening, which had a profound effect on the manufacture of “Wagashi”.
In time “Wagashi” became an indispensable part of the tea ceremony and as such, spread not only among the high social classes but among the common people as well.
Mr. Takanori Murata, a “Wagashi” craftsman, currently working in Paris, showed how the traditional ingredients of “Wagashi” (bean paste – from various beans – and sugar) and a large variety of utensils are used to create beautiful shapes and forms.
After the demonstration, the guests were invited to try their own hand at making “Wagashi”.
Mr. Tomohiko Murakami, a master carpenter from Hokkaido and representative of the Gen Company told us a little about the design of Wagashi tools and equipment.
Tea and “Wagashi” was served.
Mr. Ruud Lubbers.By Anton Lutter.
On the 14th of February, aged 78 years the longest serving Dutch Prime Minister died in his hometown Rotterdam, Mr. Ruud Lubbers.
Born in 1939 he served as Prime Minister from 4 November 1982 until 22 August 1994. He was also the youngest person serving in that position, the current Prime Minister Mark Rutte lacking two months.
He studied economy at the Nederlandse Economische Hogeschool (nowadays Erasmus University) in Rotterdam. Before entering politics, he worked at the family business Hollandia a manufacturer of steel constructions and machines.
His political career started in 1973 when he was appointed Minister of Economics for the Catholic People’s Party (KVP) until 1977. After the elections in 1977, he became a member of parliament, where – a year later – he succeeded to Mr. Wim Aantjes as chair of the “CDA” parliamentary group (at the time still formally consisting of separate Catholic and Protestant political parties) until – in 1982 – he became Prime Minister and the political leader of CDA, heading the cabinets Lubbers I, II and III.
After his political career, he part-time served in academe as professor of globalisation at the Katholieke Universiteit Brabant (Catholic University Brabant) and visiting professor at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University. Both his interests in the position of chair of the European Commission and secretary-general of NATO failed, and it took until 2001 before he was asked to be United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, retiring in 2005.
He reorganized the agency doing so without pay (he returned his salary). He made a short comeback in Dutch politics in 2006 and 2010 as “informateur” for the formation of two cabinets. The “European” Ruud Lubbers will be much remembered as the host for the Maastricht Treaty which paved the way to the European Union and the common currency the Euro.
Mr. Lubbers is survived by his wife and three children.
The Ambassador of Kuwait, H.E. Shamlan Abdulaziz Al-Roomi with Dutch and Kuwaiti students celebrating Kuwait’s 57th anniversary.By Guido Lanfranchi.
It was in 1961 that Kuwait, a flourishing state along the shores of the Persian Gulf, became an independent state, with Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah as its Emir.
Today, 25th of February 2017, 57 years after Emir Abdullah’s coronation, Kuwait celebrates its 57th National Day.
For additional Kim Vermmat’s pictures, please open the link below: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157664123526647Aramco Overseas Company’s Managing Director, Mr. Fahad Abdulkareem, H.E. Abdelouahab Bellouki, Ambassador of the Kngdom of Morocco, H.E. Peter Hoekstra, Ambassador of the United States, the Secretary-General of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Yoka Brandt, cutting the anniversary cake together with Kuwait’s ambassador H.E. Shamlan Abdulaziz Al-Roomi.
On February 20th, the Embassy of Kuwait to The Netherlands decided to celebrate this anniversary with the diplomatic community of The Hague.
H.E. Ambassador Shamlan Abdulaziz Al-Roomi and his colleagues personally welcomed each guest entering the beautiful reception room of the Grand Hotel Amrâth Kurhaus in Scheveningen.
Ms. Rawan Sulaiman, Head of the Palestinean Delegation to the Netherlands, Ambassador Al-Roomi and H.E. Mr. Elyes Ghariani, Ambassador of Tunisia.
Plenty of Ambassadors, diplomats, and government officials entered the room and enjoyed drinks and conversations with each other.
Ms. Yoka Brandt, Secretary-General of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The formal celebration began with the sound of the national anthem, followed by a word of welcome from the Embassy. Then, Ms. Yoka Brandt, Secretary-General of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, took the word. She praised the long-lasting relationship between the Netherlands and Kuwait, which dates back to the 18th century.
Back then, the quest for trade opportunities led a Dutch explorer to Kuwait, making him the first European to land in the Emirate. Since that time, relations have dramatically improved, as the two countries now enjoy solid bilateral relations, and The Netherlands is currently Kuwait’s biggest trading partner among all the European nations.
Mrs. Maja Christina Steenwijk – Groot, H.E. Alexander Shulgin, Ambassador of Russia and his spouse Natalia Shulgina.
Ms. Brandt also stressed the deep similarities between the two countries. Both the countries, she noticed, are relatively small states in a regional scenario of bigger nations.
Nonetheless, both are very active and influential in their own regions and beyond, by means of their economic strength, their efforts in humanitarian aid, and their relentless diplomatic work as mediators.
Nowadays, with both The Netherlands and Kuwait holding a seat at the United Nations Security Council, the activity and the work of this two nations at a global level is more relevant than ever.
The Ambassador of Japan, H.E. Mr. Hiroshi Inomata and the Ambassador of Mexico H.E. Dr. Elías Azar.
Ms. Brandt closed her remarks by mentioning the “Diwaniya” project, an outstanding initiative launched by the governments of Kuwait and The Netherlands to strengthen bilateral relationships between the two countries.
His Excellencies Mr. Chris Leo Clark Hoornaert, Ambassador for Belgium and Dato’s Ahmad Nazri Yusof, Ambassador of Malaysia.
This initiative brought together students from Kuwait and The Netherlands and provided them with the opportunity to meet and discuss a broad range of issues.
These students too were among the event’s attendees, and mingled with all the other participants, answering questions about their experience and showing their enthusiasm.
H.E. Mr. Fernando Bucheli Vargas, Ambassador of Ecuador, H.E. Ms. Heidemaria Gurer, Ambassador of Austria, the ambassador of Ecuador’ spouse and H.E. Mr. Philippe Couvreur, Registrar of the International Court of Justice.
After the speech, Ms. Brandt and Ambassador Al-Roomi cut the celebration cake, with the presence on the stage, among others, of H.E. Peter Hoekstra, Ambassador of the United States to The Netherlands.
Diane Hoekstra and H.E. Peter Hoekstra, Ambassador of the United States.
After the cut of the cake, the guests were invited to enjoy the outstanding buffet arranged by the Kuwaiti Embassy.
The guests remained at length in the Kurhaus reception room, savoring the food and talking to each other.
The Minister Counselor of Argentina Mr. Pablo Piñeiro Aramburo,Mr. Ehsan Turabaz, Honorary Consul of Afghanistan and H.E. Dr. M. Homayoon Azizi, Ambassador of Afghanistan.
As the celebration slowly moved towards the end, Ambassador Al-Roomi greeted one by one the guests leaving the hall, who repeatedly thanked him and the Embassy for the National Day reception.
Ayyam Gallery Dubai (11 Alserkal Avenue) is pleased to present Hybrids, a solo exhibition by Rashid Al Khalifa. Hybrids will present a selection of wall-mounted installations from six different series from 2010 to 2017.
Over the past four decades, Rashid Al Khalifa has continuously explored the nature of experientiality of art whilst asserting the importance of its context over art for art’s sake. Rashid has experimented with a multitude of painting styles, including Realism, Impressionism, and Individualism. Over the past decade, he has turned to Abstraction and Colour Field.
In his recent works, Rashid maintains a focus on the aesthetics of what postmodernists identify as re-contextualisation of an art genre. Investigating varying articulations of seriality within his oeuvre, as well as geometry, surface, and colour, the artist creates simple yet deeply resonant works. Rashid’s installations are ‘hybrids’ of painting and sculpture, where he increasingly experiments with three-dimensionality using aluminum, stainless steel, and other mediums.
With the circle serving as a starting point in many of his works, it evolves to become a circular hole in the convex aluminium surface, adding another spatial dimension to his work. In his 120 x 120 cm untitled work from his Into a Different Dimension series, Rashid creates a perfectly circular hole in the middle of the convex square-shaped aluminium, painting the background with blues. The reflective surface draws the viewer in, creating the basis of an intimate relationship with the work.
In the 2015 Shape of Time series, Rashid continues to present variations on the circle and the square. In this series, the artist creates folds with detached sections of the circles, highlighting fragile connections between the shapes. Through these works, the artist presents the viewer with a challenge of entering into a relationship with each piece through a deep understanding of the quiet authority of these works.
Through his research and his three-dimensional works – with seemingly limitless permutations of simple geometric forms – Rashid explores the phenomenological relationship between work, viewer, and architecture.
The opening reception was attended by the President of Zayed University, and first female minister of the UAE, HE Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, by the President of Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, HE Sheikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, HE Sheikha Sarah bint Hussein Al Muallaof Umm Al Quwain, by world-renowned curator, Éva McGaw, British busineswoman and shareholder of Bahamas Port Authority, Caroline St.George,Baron Henri Estramant, Managing Director of Royal Bridges and Adviser for Diplomat Magazine.
About the Artist:
Beginning his career in the late 1960s, Rashid Al Khalifa has exhibited in Bahrain and internationally. He presented his seminal quasi-kinetic works in a solo exhibition at the Middle East Institute in Washington DC in 1982. In 2010, a large-scale retrospective exhibition entitled Convex: A New Perspective was held at the Bahrain National Museum.
Rashid Al Khalifa was the first president of the Bahrain Arts Society and currently holds the title of Honorary President. He has participated in numerous solo and group exhibitions internationally. Solo exhibitions include Shuman Arts Organisation, Amman, Jordan (1997), De Caliet Gallery, Milan, Italy, and El Kato Kayyel Gallery, Milan (1996). His work as also been featured in group exhibitions such as La Biennale di Venezia, Venice, Italy (2017 and 2015), Third Mediterranean Biennale, Sakhnin Valley (2017), Bahrain Arts Society, Manama, Bahrain (2016), TRIO Bienal, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (2015), Issoudin Museum, Issoudin, France (2015), Galerie Gmurzynska, Art Basel Miami Beach (2010) Bahrain National Musuem, Manama (2002), Taipei Art Exhibition, Tapei, Taiwan (1999), Sharjah Biennial, Sharjah, UAE (1999), and Art America Exhibition, Miami, USA (1997).
About Ayyam Gallery:Founded in 2006, Ayyam Gallery is a leading arts organisation that manages the careers of diverse established and emerging artists. Blue-chip art spaces in Beirut and Dubai, a series of collaborative projects in the United States, Europe, and Asia, and a multinational non-profit arts programme have furthered the gallery’s mandate of expanding the parameters of international art. With its widely respected multilingual publishing division and a custodianship programme that manages the estates of pioneering artists, Ayyam Gallery has also contributed to recent efforts that document under-represented facets of global art history. Exhibition Facts:
Exhibition Dates: 20 January – 10 March 2018
Regular Hours: Sun – Thu: 10.00 am to 6.00 pm, Sat 12.00 to 6.00 pm
Mid-February is always a livelyperiod in the Dutch social calendar, as the country’s large expatriate community marks the passage of Chinese New Yearand looks ahead to what the coming twelve months may bring.
A highlight for many in The Hague is the annual celebration hosted by the Hong Kong Netherlands Chamber of Commerce together with the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office Brussels.
On 7 February 2018 the historic Societeit de Witte in The Hague was once again the venue for an entertaining evening of music, food and networking.For additional Robert Huiberts’ pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157664027078637Ms. Shirley Lamb, Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the EU.
Guestswere welcomed by Ms. Shirley Lamb, Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the EU, who highlighted the close relationship between Hong Kong and the Netherlands and looked ahead to some of the many economic opportunities that the new year will bring.
These include an increased level of participation by Hong Kong in China’s Belt and Road Initiative and several major regional development projects involving Dutch and other overseas companies. Ms Lamb noted that Hong Kong’s focus on technology has led to the publication of the first Smart City Blueprint – an outline for the future which promotes high-tech innovation as a means of creating a cleaner, safer, more efficient and more prosperous city.
The audience was then addressed by Mr Hans Poulis, Chair of the Netherlands Hong Kong Business Association, and Mr George Ammerlaan, Chair of the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in the Netherlands.
Both praised the strong business ties between Hong Kong and the Netherlands and remarked on some of the key trends in the already strong bilateral relationship.Fiona Foo Pui-yee.
After toasting the forthcoming Year of the Dog, guests were treated to a remarkable marimba performance by Fiona Foo Pui-yee, one of the world’s leading marimba soloists. The marimba is a percussion instrument consisting of a set of wooden bars struck with mallets to produce musical tones. Resonators suspended underneath the bars amplify their sound.
Ms Pui-yee’s performance was as novel as it was energetic; for many in the room this was their first experience of marimba music, and it left a lasting impression.
The performance culminated in a lively rendition of ‘Shall We Dance’, an innovative piece written by Ms. Pui-yeefeaturing a remarkable 8-mallet grip.
After the performance, the event was concluded with a buffet and networking reception.
By Roy Lie Atjam.
The Hague, a good number of Bengali speaking individuals, government officials and friends witness a plaque unveiling ceremony in connection with the construction of the mother language monument on 19 February 2018.
Among them were Mr. Rene Baron, Director of the Eskam’s city district, Diplomat Mr. Iqbal Ahmed, Mr. Rabin Baldewsingh Deputy Mayor of The Hague, diplomat medias, members of the Bangladesh diaspora and others.
Mother Language Monument’s plaque by Bangladesh.
The green light for the construction of the monument, unfortunately, came too late for the 2018 Mother Language Day celebrations. Nevertheless, the Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh Mr. Shahidul Haque graced the historic event with his presence.
The unveiling of the plaque is, by all means, a prelude to the inauguration of the long-awaited mother language monument. For years several individuals and institutions have invested time and energy to achieve the establishment of the monument. Records proof negotiations go back as far as 2010. International cities like London and Sydney already have such a monument.
Bangladeshi, particularly those in the Netherlands have ample reason to proud themselves of and celebrate, for it is with their strength, might yes even their blood the Bengali speaking people fought to keep their mother tongue.
H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Belal, Ambassador of Bangladesh. Behind Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh Mr. Shahidul Haque, Deputy Mayor Rabin Baldewsingh and Dr Dilruba Nasrin, spouse of the Ambassador of Bangladesh.
After speeches by H.E. Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Belal, Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh Shahidul Haque unveiled the plaque along with Mr. Baldewsingh; Patriotic songs such as Amar bhai ErRokteRangano by Abdul Gaffar and martyr Altaf Mahmud added to the pleasant and joyous atmosphere.
The prospect of having a Mother Language’s monument in the Netherlands soon is like a jewel in the crown of H.E. Ambassador Sheikh Belal’s tenure. He has played a stellar role in the establishment of it. Evidently, his all-out efforts have not been in vain. Belal thanked all those who came out to the Zuiderpark on the breezy winter morning to witness the indelible moment.
Both Ambassador Sheikh Belal and Foreign Secretary Shahidut Haque praised the father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman for leading the nation towards freedom.
An interesting phenomenon has been taking place over the past months, its the coming and going of many Ambassadors.
One of the newly arrived is the Ambassador of Lebanon.
With a new government in place, Lebanon has assigned an Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands. H.E. Mr. Abdel Sattar Issa is the new Ambassador for Lebanon to the Kingdom of the Netherlands. He has assumed his position in February 2018. Ambassador Issa is fluent in Arabic, French and English.
Abdel Sattar Issa is a holder of a Bachelor Degree in Law(Lebanon) and a Master degree in Public and Private International Law, Nice Sophia Antipolis University.
Ambassador Issa is no novice to the diplomatic world, from, 2013-2018, he served as Lebanon’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
From 1996-1999, Counsellor at the Embassy of Lebanon in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
From 1999-2000 he was the First Secretary at the Lebanese Permanent Mission to the United Nations, Geneva-Switzerland. Further, from 2002-2012 Consul-General of Lebanon in Marseille-France. From 2012-2017 Dean of the Consular Corps in Marseille.
Mr. Abdel Sattar Issa has been a member of Lebanese delegations to various international conference and seminars. His hobbies are reading, swimming, skin diving and Yoga.
We wish H.E. Mr. Abdel Sattar Issa a pleasant tenure in the Netherlands.
The style of “Wagashi” we see today, was developed between the 17th and 19th century.
European countries (like Holland and Portugal) had introduced sugar to Japan. It meant a new way of sweetening, which had a profound effect on the manufacture of “Wagashi”.
In time “Wagashi” became an indispensable part of the tea ceremony and as such, spread not only among the high social classes but among the common people as well.
Mr. Takanori Murata, a “Wagashi” craftsman, currently working in Paris, showed how the traditional ingredients of “Wagashi” (bean paste – from various beans – and sugar) and a large variety of utensils are used to create beautiful shapes and forms.
After the demonstration, the guests were invited to try their own hand at making “Wagashi”.
Mr. Tomohiko Murakami, a master carpenter from Hokkaido and representative of the Gen Company told us a little about the design of Wagashi tools and equipment.
Tea and “Wagashi” was served.
The style of “Wagashi” we see today, was developed between the 17th and 19th century.
European countries (like Holland and Portugal) had introduced sugar to Japan. It meant a new way of sweetening, which had a profound effect on the manufacture of “Wagashi”.
In time “Wagashi” became an indispensable part of the tea ceremony and as such, spread not only among the high social classes but among the common people as well.
Mr. Takanori Murata, a “Wagashi” craftsman, currently working in Paris, showed how the traditional ingredients of “Wagashi” (bean paste – from various beans – and sugar) and a large variety of utensils are used to create beautiful shapes and forms.
After the demonstration, the guests were invited to try their own hand at making “Wagashi”.
Mr. Tomohiko Murakami, a master carpenter from Hokkaido and representative of the Gen Company told us a little about the design of Wagashi tools and equipment.
Tea and “Wagashi” was served.
With the circle serving as a starting point in many of his works, it evolves to become a circular hole in the convex aluminium surface, adding another spatial dimension to his work. In his 120 x 120 cm untitled work from his Into a Different Dimension series, Rashid creates a perfectly circular hole in the middle of the convex square-shaped aluminium, painting the background with blues. The reflective surface draws the viewer in, creating the basis of an intimate relationship with the work.
In the 2015 Shape of Time series, Rashid continues to present variations on the circle and the square. In this series, the artist creates folds with detached sections of the circles, highlighting fragile connections between the shapes. Through these works, the artist presents the viewer with a challenge of entering into a relationship with each piece through a deep understanding of the quiet authority of these works.
Through his research and his three-dimensional works – with seemingly limitless permutations of simple geometric forms – Rashid explores the phenomenological relationship between work, viewer, and architecture.
The opening reception was attended by the President of Zayed University, and first female minister of the UAE, HE Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, by the President of Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, HE Sheikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, HE Sheikha Sarah bint Hussein Al Muallaof Umm Al Quwain, by world-renowned curator, Éva McGaw, British busineswoman and shareholder of Bahamas Port Authority, Caroline St.George,Baron Henri Estramant, Managing Director of Royal Bridges and Adviser for Diplomat Magazine.
About the Artist:
Beginning his career in the late 1960s, Rashid Al Khalifa has exhibited in Bahrain and internationally. He presented his seminal quasi-kinetic works in a solo exhibition at the Middle East Institute in Washington DC in 1982. In 2010, a large-scale retrospective exhibition entitled Convex: A New Perspective was held at the Bahrain National Museum.
Rashid Al Khalifa was the first president of the Bahrain Arts Society and currently holds the title of Honorary President. He has participated in numerous solo and group exhibitions internationally. Solo exhibitions include Shuman Arts Organisation, Amman, Jordan (1997), De Caliet Gallery, Milan, Italy, and El Kato Kayyel Gallery, Milan (1996). His work as also been featured in group exhibitions such as La Biennale di Venezia, Venice, Italy (2017 and 2015), Third Mediterranean Biennale, Sakhnin Valley (2017), Bahrain Arts Society, Manama, Bahrain (2016), TRIO Bienal, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (2015), Issoudin Museum, Issoudin, France (2015), Galerie Gmurzynska, Art Basel Miami Beach (2010) Bahrain National Musuem, Manama (2002), Taipei Art Exhibition, Tapei, Taiwan (1999), Sharjah Biennial, Sharjah, UAE (1999), and Art America Exhibition, Miami, USA (1997).
About Ayyam Gallery:
Founded in 2006, Ayyam Gallery is a leading arts organisation that manages the careers of diverse established and emerging artists. Blue-chip art spaces in Beirut and Dubai, a series of collaborative projects in the United States, Europe, and Asia, and a multinational non-profit arts programme have furthered the gallery’s mandate of expanding the parameters of international art. With its widely respected multilingual publishing division and a custodianship programme that manages the estates of pioneering artists, Ayyam Gallery has also contributed to recent efforts that document under-represented facets of global art history.
Exhibition Facts:
With the circle serving as a starting point in many of his works, it evolves to become a circular hole in the convex aluminium surface, adding another spatial dimension to his work. In his 120 x 120 cm untitled work from his Into a Different Dimension series, Rashid creates a perfectly circular hole in the middle of the convex square-shaped aluminium, painting the background with blues. The reflective surface draws the viewer in, creating the basis of an intimate relationship with the work.
In the 2015 Shape of Time series, Rashid continues to present variations on the circle and the square. In this series, the artist creates folds with detached sections of the circles, highlighting fragile connections between the shapes. Through these works, the artist presents the viewer with a challenge of entering into a relationship with each piece through a deep understanding of the quiet authority of these works.
Through his research and his three-dimensional works – with seemingly limitless permutations of simple geometric forms – Rashid explores the phenomenological relationship between work, viewer, and architecture.
The opening reception was attended by the President of Zayed University, and first female minister of the UAE, HE Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, by the President of Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, HE Sheikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, HE Sheikha Sarah bint Hussein Al Muallaof Umm Al Quwain, by world-renowned curator, Éva McGaw, British busineswoman and shareholder of Bahamas Port Authority, Caroline St.George,Baron Henri Estramant, Managing Director of Royal Bridges and Adviser for Diplomat Magazine.
About the Artist:
Beginning his career in the late 1960s, Rashid Al Khalifa has exhibited in Bahrain and internationally. He presented his seminal quasi-kinetic works in a solo exhibition at the Middle East Institute in Washington DC in 1982. In 2010, a large-scale retrospective exhibition entitled Convex: A New Perspective was held at the Bahrain National Museum.
Rashid Al Khalifa was the first president of the Bahrain Arts Society and currently holds the title of Honorary President. He has participated in numerous solo and group exhibitions internationally. Solo exhibitions include Shuman Arts Organisation, Amman, Jordan (1997), De Caliet Gallery, Milan, Italy, and El Kato Kayyel Gallery, Milan (1996). His work as also been featured in group exhibitions such as La Biennale di Venezia, Venice, Italy (2017 and 2015), Third Mediterranean Biennale, Sakhnin Valley (2017), Bahrain Arts Society, Manama, Bahrain (2016), TRIO Bienal, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (2015), Issoudin Museum, Issoudin, France (2015), Galerie Gmurzynska, Art Basel Miami Beach (2010) Bahrain National Musuem, Manama (2002), Taipei Art Exhibition, Tapei, Taiwan (1999), Sharjah Biennial, Sharjah, UAE (1999), and Art America Exhibition, Miami, USA (1997).
About Ayyam Gallery:
Founded in 2006, Ayyam Gallery is a leading arts organisation that manages the careers of diverse established and emerging artists. Blue-chip art spaces in Beirut and Dubai, a series of collaborative projects in the United States, Europe, and Asia, and a multinational non-profit arts programme have furthered the gallery’s mandate of expanding the parameters of international art. With its widely respected multilingual publishing division and a custodianship programme that manages the estates of pioneering artists, Ayyam Gallery has also contributed to recent efforts that document under-represented facets of global art history.
Exhibition Facts:
