Adel Al-Abbasi

Sculpture Scoops Top Prize

Published in: Al-Masrafiyah
Page: 14-15
Date:

Sculpture scoops top prize

Adel Al Abbasi, Head of Human Resources at the HO [Arab Banking Corporation], was awarded first prize in the 37th Bahrain Annual Fine Arts Exhibition in January.

The jury chose one of three sculptures, "The Ascent of Water", submitted by him, for the first prize in the exhibition. The theme of the exhibition was "Environment, Water: Still or Startling" and was held in conjunction with the Culture Ministry at the Bahrain National Museum. The exhibition features the best of artists in Bahrain whose creations illustrate their own interpretation of the theme and gives them an opportunity to showcase their talent.

His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa congratulated Adel on his creative originality and spoke to him at length about what had inspired his unique interpretation of the concept. Adel explained that he had spent time in Japan and had been inspired by the theory of Ikebana, which speaks of the integration of heaven, earth and human beings. Ikebana is the art of arranging flowers aesthetically while trying to represent the three elements - heaven, earth and mankind - in a well-balanced relation. Some modern styles of Ikebana have evolved using glass, iron or other materials instead of flowers.

Adel chose to interpret the concept as Air, Earth and Water and his sculpture captures the concept of water ascending towards the heavens and then cascading back to earth on a constant recycle. This journey of the water comes about because of the purity and transparency of its nature. To Adel, this Japanese concept becomes "fusion art" in his work.

The Prime Minister commented that artists project Bahrain's civilization to the world and, in this respect, are the best ambassadors of modern Bahrain.