Artists
Rashid Al Khalifa.
About Rashid Al Khalifa. ( https://www.rashidalkhalifa.com/ ) Born in 1952 in the Kingdom of Bahrain, Rashid Al Khalifa is regarded as one of the leading contemporary artists in the Gulf region. His artistic career began in the 1970s with impressionist-inspired landscapes. In 1972, Al Khalifa moved to the United Kingdom to study at the Hastings College of Arts and Technology in Sussex—an experi
Through his work, Rashid Al Khalifa reimagines Bahrain’s cultural heritage in a striking contemporary form.
ence that played a pivotal role in shaping his artistic vision. Over the decades, he has evolved his practice from figurative painting to geometric abstraction and minimalist installations that blend architectural and sculptural elements. Al Khalifa’s invention of the “convex canvas” reimagines space, light, and perception and has had a significant influence on contemporary art in the region. His works reflect the profound transformations of Bahrain’s landscape and culture, combining traditional architectural motifs with modern materials such as aluminum and lacquer to create poetic spaces of transition and metamorphosis. His works have been exhibited internationally, including at the Saatchi Gallery in London, the Venice Biennale, and the Liechtenstein National Museum. Rashid Al Khalifa is celebrated for building bridges between past and future, tradition and innovation. In 2020, he founded the RAK Art Foundation in Riffa, Bahrain—a space dedicated to supporting artists, encouraging cross-cultural collaboration, and fostering international partnerships. A passionate art collector and advocate, he currently serves as Chairman of the National Council for Arts in Bahrain.
Rashid Al Khalifa.'s artworks
His works mirror the profound transformations Bahrain has experienced in recent decades. The country’s distinctive light — particularly at sunrise and sunset — along with its traditional architecture and cultural practices, form the foundation of Rashid’s artistic exploration. He delves into the interplay between space, culture, and environment, capturing it through a contemporary visual language.
