Bahraini artist mixes local folklore with Japanese manga

Bahraini artist Leena Al Ayoobi will highlight a unique fusion of the Bahraini folklore with the Japanese manga when she holds her first solo exhibition next month in Dubai. Bahraini artist Leena Al Ayoobi will highlight a unique fusion of the Bahraini folklore with the Japanese manga when she holds her first solo exhibition next month in Dubai. “It will be an artistic breakthrough and I will combine the Bahraini folklore and the art of Japanese manga in a unique homogeneous mixture,” she said. “Brainchild will feature the originality of the past, the charm of the present and the hope of future. The fusion will bring together the civilisations of the Arabian Peninsula and the Land of the Rising Sun.” The exhibition on March 13 - April 6 at the Citizen E Gallery in the Design District will feature 30 paintings, Leena said. The gallery, characterised by its “open mind”, “creative space” and its policy of “allowing the expression of art forms outside the traditional forms”, seems to be the perfect place for Leena to display her innovative work. “It is in a way looking at the Japanese magna through a Bahraini prism, perspective,” she said. The artist has been displaying her artwork since 2014 and in the following year, she was among the 35 Bahraini artists who showcased their artistic creations at the fourth edition of the Bahraini Female Artists Annual Exhibition, an ambitious project launched by Bahraini artist Nadine Al Shaikh. Nadine had wanted to use Nadine Gallery to promote women artists in Bahrain by bringing them to a wider audience by exhibiting their works alongside established artists. “I have been drawing since an early age, mainly female characters from children’s translated TV shows, the Hayao Miyazaki shows in particular,” Leena said. She recalls her first public exhibition with candid fondness. “It was a highly significant moment for me and I was truly elated to see people show interest in my work. It was superb for my self-gratification but also for my status as a Bahraini artist who could showcase the exceptionally rich culture of Bahrain to the world and reach out the largest number of people.” She perceived the success as “a wonderful motivation to expand further in exploring art.” “I have many plans for this year and well beyond and I look forward to living through vibrant and successful times,” she said.