Royal Bridges will hold its inaugural exhibition, “Convergence”, in Dubai at the Ritz Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre, on November 29 and 30. The show brings together, for the first time in the history of art, a group of internationally recognised artists hailing from imperial, royal, princely and noble families from around the world to celebrate contemporary art through creations that include paintings, sculptures, jewellery designs and performances.
Royal Bridges is a global artistic movement founded by Shaikh Rashid Bin Khalifa Al Khalifa of Bahrain along with founding director Baron Henri Estramant. It is a forum that challenges the traditional role of royalty as just patrons of the arts by presenting them also as artists who are at the forefront of contemporary art, design, fashion and music.
“Royal Bridges is a platform for dialogue among cultures and styles, bridging relationships and gaining a new perspective on contemporary art. The initiative links the Middle East with the world, as well as global artists of distinct backgrounds with new audiences for their work. Forging new bonds, encouraging emerging audiences and collectors and building greater awareness and appreciation of contemporary art are all among the key aims of the Royal Bridges platform,” Shaikh Rashid Bin Khalifa Al Khalifa says.
Together by Shaikh Rashid Bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, oil on canvas, 2016
The artists featured in the exhibition, which has been organised by ArtBahrain, include Shaikh Dr Hassan Bin Mohammed Bin Ali Al Thani of Qatar, Princess Reem Al Faisal Al Saud of Saudi Arabia, Prince Rotislav Rotislavovich Romanov of Russia, The Princess Sophie of Romania, Princess Lelli de Orleans e Bragança of Brazil, The Duchess Diane of Württemberg and Maharajkumari Vidita Singh of Barwani from India. The artworks tell the diverse, individual stories and narratives intertwined with the background of each artist, offering insights into their personalities, their cosmopolitan cultural heritages and their colloquy with major art movements of their time and countries of origin.
Shaikh Rashid Bin Khalifa Al Khalifa is also displaying his work in the exhibition. He studied art and design in the UK, is the co-founder of the Bahrain Art Society and one of the most prominent artists in Bahrain. His work includes realistic desert landscapes, figurative works, colour-field abstractions, installations and kinetic art; but he is best known for his abstract mixed-media works on convex canvases.
“This summer I am taking a break from my convex hybrids and working on a series of oil-on-canvas paintings. The painting I am showing is titled ‘Together’, and it is about friendship, gathering and celebration. In the centre of the painting are three oranges and a vase of vibrant yet peaceful flowers, while in the background is a scenario of uncodified irregular gesture and position of the figures that are moving about and creating a dialogue, giving it an immediate visual take of emotion. The psychological play between the figures leads to an interpretation of ‘Together’ as cheerful, exciting, enjoyable, merry,” he says.
The exhibition, to be inaugurated on November 29, will be open to the public on November 30 from 10am to 4pm. Later in the evening, Royal Bridges will host a gala dinner where all the artworks will be sold in an auction conducted in collaboration with Christie’s. The proceeds will be donated to the United Nations World Food Programme.
One of the aims of Royal Bridges is to preserve and promote elements of our cultural heritage that are dying out due to the loss of royal patronage. Hence the inaugural event in Dubai will also feature performances listed as Unesco’s Intangible Cultural Heritage, such as the Royal Drummers of Burundi with head of mission Princess Esther Kamatari of Burundi, and the Royal Cambodian Court Ballet with head of delegations Prince Sisowath Tesso of Cambodia.
Jyoti Kalsi is an arts-enthusiast based in Dubai.
“Convergence” is open to the public from 10am to 4pm on November 30 at the Ritz Carlton, DIFC. For more information about the exhibition and the artists, visit www.royalbridges.org
