Bahrain is set to host a major international art fair in October this year, exhibiting the works of many acclaimed artists from around the globe.

Held under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabika bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of the King of Bahrain and President of the Supreme Council for Women, the first edition of Art Bahrain aims to create, connect and inspire artists, both regionally and internationally.

Housed in a 50-m diameter grand marquee opposite the newly-opened Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, Art Bahrain will run from October 13 to 16.

At a press conference held earlier today (May 19) at Four Seasons Hotel, Manama, the Art Bahrain team revealed details of participating galleries and artists.

The fair will see the likes of Sacha Jafri, who was the youngest living artist to have had a 10-year Museum Retrospective, showcasing his works.

At Art Bahrain, Jafri will launch his 18-year Retrospective World Tour, which will showcase 48 works of art. The retrospective tour will include the best four paintings from each of Jafri’s 12 collections from 1996 to 2014, which have been handpicked and carefully curated by the artist, for display at Art Bahrain.

The fair will also see the works of leading Bahraini artists Jamal Abdul Rahim, Lulwa Al Khalifa and Marwa Bin Rashid, amongst others.

Kaneka Subberwal, co-founder of Art Bahrain, said: “Bahrain has a refined level of appreciation and talent for art, which makes it a great location for an international art fair. We are delighted to announce the dates as well as participation of renowned galleries and artists for this first edition and are confident about establishing Art Bahrain as a premier art event regionally and internationally.”

Currently four artists and five galleries have confirmed their participation.

The fair aims at hosting about 48 booths, which will showcase a mixture of artists and galleries.

Art Bahrain is anticipating and preparing to host up to 200 international art collectors, close to 2,000 VIP clients and approximately 10,000 visitors, the majority of whom will be looking to buy. Art Bahrain will be an internationally minded art fair that will serve as a platform where artists and galleries from around the world will share space and inspiration with local artists. – TradeArabia News Service