The love for all things arts and culture runs deep in Bahrain, with our little island bursting at the seams with exceptional talent.

From photography, painting and street art to breakdancing, we’ve rounded up a small selection of artists from various fields, celebrating the burgeoning local scene. Take a look and see what floats their boat and inspires them to keep creating!

AYFU
Artist

Aref Mohammed, also known as Ayfu, is an artist who creates to heal, connect and set souls free. His journey began in childhood – his passion sparked by watching his father draw. In 2009, he fell in love with graffiti after witnessing the raw energy of hip-hop culture. That was the moment he realised art is movement, emotion, rebellion and truth.

What inspires your artwork or creative process?
My art is inspired by personal healing, emotional release and the desire to connect with others. I’m drawn to movement, street culture and contrast, especially between light and darkness. Creating helps me reconnect with myself and turn pain into something powerful and positive for others to feel.

How would you describe your style or approach to art?
My style blends spray paint, airbrush and graffiti with clean structure. I often use blue tones to express emotion and depth. My approach is intuitive and emotional – I paint based on what I’m feeling and living through. I love mixing styles, but I always aim for clarity, impact and meaningful expression.

Which local and international artists do you admire?
Locally, I’m inspired by street artists who tell honest stories – those who mix tradition with modern expression and aren’t afraid to break norms. Internationally, I look up to Banksy for his fearless messages, Pablo Picasso for his unique style, Helio Bray for his bold, colourful murals and Jean-Michel Basquiat for his raw emotion. Any artist who creates from truth, not trends, inspires me.

GO: FOLLOW @AYFU.OFFICIAL ON INSTAGRAM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

BASMA ALHASHIMI
Photographer

A passionate photographer based in Bahrain, Basma Alhashimi specialises in landscape, cityscape and time-lapse photography. Her work captures the beauty of fleeting moments, blending patience with creativity. Each frame reflects her deep connection to nature and urban life, with an annual time-lapse project showcasing her evolving artistic journey.

What inspires the moments or subjects you choose to capture?
I’m always chasing quiet moments that carry weight. It’s that mix of timing, light and place that draws me in. I try to show Bahrain not just as it is but as it feels – familiar, proud and quietly beautiful. Whether it’s the stillness of a landscape, the rhythm of a city or the slow unfolding of a time-lapse, I want each frame to hold something timeless, without needing a caption.

How would you describe your style or approach to photography?
I move with the rhythm of the scene. Sometimes that means hours of stillness – watching light shift, clouds sweep past or the moon edge into place. I don’t like to force a shot; I like to feel it unfold. My process is quiet, patient and rooted in observation. I lean into simplicity – clean compositions, natural light, honest tones.

Which local and international artists do you admire?
A workshop with Kuwaiti photographer Mohammed Alsultan made me realise that landscape and cityscape photography was my true path. Talks by American photographer Elia Locardi and Lebanese-born Dany Eid helped deepen my technical understanding, while Norwegian Morten Rustad inspired me to explore time-lapse photography.

GO: FOLLOW @BASMAALHASHIMI ON INSTAGRAM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

CAGLA AKPINAR
Artist | Muralist

Cagla Akpinar, also known as Wicked Rose, is a multidisciplinary artist from Türkiye, based in Bahrain. A Bilkent University Fine Arts graduate, she creates vibrant mixed-media works exploring identity and emotion. Influenced by global experiences, her dynamic style blends surrealism and symbolism with culturally rich, personal visual storytelling.

What inspires your artwork or creative process?
My art is inspired by the exploration of identity, emotion and perception. I often use self-portraiture to express inner complexity. Influenced by solitude, philosophy and life abroad, my creative process reflects a search for meaning and existence. For me, art isn’t about finding myself – it’s about creating myself.

How would you describe your style or approach to art?
Blending neo-surrealism and magic realism, my approach is intuitive and ever-evolving. I create vibrant portraits and figures using mixed media, combining surreal, semi-realistic and pop elements. I embrace spontaneity over repetition, often layering techniques like collage and incorporating symbolic imagery or text. My work is fluid, personal and open-ended – a visual journey through identity and experience.

Which local and international artists do you admire?
I’m truly captivated by Thajba Najeeb’s paintings. A Bahraini-Pakistani artist and former architect, she tells powerful stories through vibrant colours and emotionally rich compositions, often infused with architectural elements. One of my favourite international artists is Nadine Tralala, a German figurative oil painter whose blend of classical technique and modern surrealism creates deeply poetic, dreamlike worlds that resonate closely with me.

GO: FOLLOW @WICKEDROSE.ART ON INSTAGRAM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

DUST
Artist | Musician | Dancer

Abdulla Husain, also known as DUST, is a Bahraini artist from Muharraq. He grew up loving football but transitioned to the arts around 2001 after seeing kids dancing at a local park. From there, he immersed himself in hip-hop culture, with dance and breaking as his entry point and music the main influence. In 2008, he established the Red Ants Army – an authentic hip-hop movement – and is also a DJ and music producer.

What inspires you as a dancer/choreographer and the music you create?
Dance is the language I chose to speak with, and expressing that musically is the highest connection in life. I’m still learning and will always be a student of the culture.

How would you describe your dance style and your sound or approach to music-making?
My style is very raw and unpredictable in every form I practice. It’s full of human mistakes, and I never want it to be perfect.

Which local and international artists do you admire?
Growing up in an environment full of doubt and mockery, where following dreams was considered a waste of time – I say this with love – I don’t admire individuals. I’m inspired by the art itself, the lifestyle and the messages. As a young man, I looked up to Bruce Lee and his philosophy of life changed how I presented myself. Also, artists like J Dilla had a lot to do with how I make music, dance and paint.

GO: FOLLOW @DUSTIZM ON INSTAGRAM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

EMAN HADDAD
Musician

Eman Haddad is a Bahraini singer-songwriter known for her soft folk-pop sound. Raised in a family that embraced the arts, she began experimenting with music early and later studied Music Psychology and English Literature in the UK. Her expressive performances have resonated widely, most notably when she opened for Jason Derulo during Bahrain’s Spring of Culture festival in 2019.

What inspires the music you create or perform?
I feel things deeply, and I think that comes through in the way I perform. I gravitate toward songs that carry emotion – whether longing, joy or nostalgia – and I try to honour them with vulnerability. My music is my way of connecting with those who feel the world deeply too.

How would you describe your sound or approach to music-making?
I mostly perform acoustic covers in a folk-pop style and write lyrics of my own – originals I hope to share very soon. I want my music to offer a space where people can feel something real.

Which local and international artists do you admire?
I’m infinitely grateful to be part of Bahrain’s music scene. Ala Ghawas and my father have deeply influenced my path as an artist, but the list is long and the local talent around me constantly moves me. Internationally, Joni Mitchell has shaped the way I think about music, writing and performance.

GO: FOLLOW @EMANHADDADMUSIC ON INSTAGRAM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

ENAS SISTANI
Photographer

Enas Sistani is a Bahraini street and conceptual photographer known for using her art to inspire change. Her culturally rich, socially themed work has been exhibited globally, including by MoMA (The Museum of Modern Art, New York) and CNN. She received an honourable mention in the International Photography Awards 2022, among other accolades.

What inspires the moments or subjects you choose to capture?
It depends on the type of photography I’m doing. With conceptual work, I’m usually inspired by current events, social issues or topics that need more attention. I tend to gravitate toward things people shy away from. Street photography is a different story – less planned, more intuitive. It’s about slowing down and tuning into what most people miss in the rush of everyday life.

How would you describe your style or approach to photography?
I don’t have a single style, and that’s intentional. My approach keeps evolving – photos I took yesterday might feel completely different from those I take today. I let the subject lead the way. Some images come out dreamy and hazy because that’s the emotion I want to capture. Others are cinematic, crisp or muted. I use colour, light and editing to reflect what I’m feeling in the moment.

Which local and international artists do you admire?
Locally, Ishaq Madan and Mustafa Bastaki for street photography, Sara Sami for astrophotography and Ali Al Shehabi for artistic shoots. Internationally, I admire Mihaela Noroc for travel portraits and Hamza Lafrouji and Hassan Hajjaj for editorial work.

GO: FOLLOW @SOLOVAGABOND ON INSTAGRAM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

HUSSAIN ALI ALNOAIMI
Artist

Hussain Ali Alnoaimi is a Bahraini artist known for his vibrant, textured works on recycled and driftwood surfaces. His art reflects a deep connection to Bahrain’s maritime history and musical heritage, while exploring the fusion of global music cultures. As the founder of Sound of Color, an eco-conscious initiative, he believes that colour is a secret language and sound a form of communication. Hussain transforms discarded materials into expressive artworks and eco-friendly decor with cultural meaning.

What inspires your artwork or creative process?
I am inspired by people deeply connected to their craft, especially those who dedicate their lives to it and find joy in the process. My work draws from Bahrain’s maritime heritage and traditional music, while embracing global influences. I use bold colours and textured recycled wood to express rhythm, memory and identity.

How would you describe your style or approach to art?
My style is bold, expressive and rooted in storytelling. I work on recycled and driftwood surfaces, letting the material guide the emotion of each piece. Colour plays a central role, not only visually but symbolically. My approach blends sustainability with cultural memory, creating work that feels both personal and collective.

Which local and international artists do you admire?
I admire artists who bring depth, passion and purpose to their work. Bahrain has a vibrant creative community and I have great admiration for many local talents. Globally, I’m influenced by creatives whose work carries strong cultural and emotional meaning.

GO: FOLLOW @SOUNDOFCOLOR_BH ON INSTAGRAM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

LIKWID
Musicians

One of Bahrain’s most popular pop/rock bands, Likwid is known for its superb musicianship, performing at sold-out venues. The members – Ahmed “AQ” Alqasim (bass, lead vocal), Khalid Alshamlan (piano, keyboards, backing vocals), Ahmed Abdulaziz (guitar, backing vocals) and Abdulrahman Malallah (drums, percussion) – have played together for over 20 years under various formations. An entertaining band that doesn’t believe in genres, Likwid’s repertoire spans rock, smooth jazz, blues, reggae, funk and Latin.

What inspires the music you create or perform?
Inspiration can come from two completely different places. One, when we write songs based on our personal experiences and the second when we compose the music and collaborate with friends to write the lyrics, leading to some great results. We also love playing covers but never like the originals – we add our own unique touch.

How would you describe your sound or approach to music-making?
We love challenging ourselves at all times. We rarely go for the straightforward approach of writing or playing songs that are too simple (three or four chords looping the entire song). We always push ourselves to do more with our music, to make it stand out and bring out our musicianship.

Which local and international artists do you admire?
We’ve always admired the Bahraini group, Brothers Band. We grew up listening to their songs and playing them. What made them appealing was that most songs were sung in the Bahraini dialect, while the music was western influenced, using the same instruments that we play. Internationally, we love Sting, Stevie Wonder, Santana, Bob Marley & The Wailers and Pink Floyd.

GO: FOLLOW @LIKWIDBAND ON INSTAGRAM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

MUBARAK SALMEEN
Dancer | Choreographer

Mubarak Salmeen, also known as B-boy Brookie Funk, is a Bahraini hip-hop dancer, choreographer, event organiser and dance instructor with 15 years of breaking experience. Founder of Fresh Minds Jam, he has represented the Red Ants Army crew of local dancers around the world, recently winning Grand Style 2 in Dubai. A creative and talented artist, Mubarak has travelled across Russia, Southeast Asia and Europe, continuing to grow Bahrain’s hip-hop scene through battles, workshops, private classes and cultural events, with the aim to gain support for his art.

What inspires you as a dancer or choreographer?
I’m inspired by music. Sometimes I feel like everyone has something special – I’ve got dance. I’m passionate about dance and movement – it creates a sense of freedom mentally, physically and spiritually.

How would you describe your style or approach to dance?
Breaking funky style (hip-hop). I express my art through free movement, telling my story through dance and rhythm – through mind, body and soul. I want to express stories that will inspire and make an impact on the next generation to follow their hearts and ambitions.

Which local and international artists do you admire?
Local artists and producers I admire include rapper Flipperachi; Outlaw Productions; dancer, producer and graffiti artist DUST; and Huey Flava, one of the best B-boys in the Middle East.

GO: FOLLOW @BROOKIEFUNK ON INSTAGRAM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

RABAB RAJAB
Artist

A Bahraini artist with a degree in business administration, Rabab Rajab is known for artwork that captures Bahraini culture and traditions. She creates paintings using acrylics and mixed media on canvas or wooden boards.

What inspires your artwork or creative process?
My inspiration comes mainly from Bahraini traditional clothing, Thobe Al Nashel, and Bahraini gold. I also get ideas from historic places, listening to folklore stories, seeing the work of other cultural artists and attending Bahraini weddings, where women still practice traditional dances – portrayed in many of my artworks.

How would you describe your style or approach to art?
The goal in all my art is to reflect Bahrain’s rich culture and heritage and showcase how women have played a huge role in keeping these traditions alive through the decades. My style balances cultural and modern art. Some pieces focus on traditional Bahraini clothing with its beautiful gold details, excluding facial features, while others portray women with symbols reflecting local culture, like Bahraini pearls or fishing.

Which local or international artists do you admire?
I follow many local artists – each inspires me in a different way. We have so many creative minds in Bahrain. Internationally, I truly admire Esraa Zidan, Mohamed Rabie and Hafida Zizi – their lively artworks are very unique, eye catching and filled with colours.

GO: FOLLOW @RABABRAJABART ON INSTAGRAM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

RAWAN ALSAIRAFI
Artist

Rawan Alsairafi is a Bahraini multidisciplinary artist and interior designer. Inspired by her mother, she began creating from a young age and has embraced creativity as a limitless form of expression. Rawan works across murals, street art, canvas, digital art, carvings, printmaking and live sand art, reflecting her passion for diverse and boundless artistry. She’s passionate about encouraging women to join Bahrain’s street art scene and believes in the power of art to inspire change. Recently accepted into an art residency programme in Barcelona, she will spend a month developing her next major gallery, aiming to create a unique experience that hasn’t been done before in Bahrain.

What inspires your artwork or creative process?
I’m inspired by the beauty in everything and how creativity transforms nothing into something meaningful that connects the artist and the viewer. I’m drawn to how others see the world, especially through photography. My culture and Middle Eastern heritage deeply shape my concepts, guiding the themes and emotions in my work.

How would you describe your style or approach to art?
While my personal projects often blend traditional and contemporary styles, my approach is flexible and driven by each project’s needs. I experiment with various mediums, including murals, digital work and sand art. This allows me to evolve continuously and adapt to the unique inspiration behind every piece.

Which local and international artists do you admire?
As an art teacher, I respect every artist’s unique vision. I admire all styles and forms, appreciating the many ways creativity can take shape.

GO: FOLLOW @ARTBYRAWANA ON INSTAGRAM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

THE RELOCATORS
Musicians

The Relocators are a dynamic indie trio from Bahrain, made up of Faisal Amin, Jojo Canlas and Ali Alqaseer. Formed in 2012, the band blends indie, alternative, blues and funk into a sound rooted in musical heritage and raw energy. Known for their electrifying live shows and infectious hooks, they’ve performed across the Middle East and Europe. With tracks like Part of Me and Reasons, they continue to evolve, creating music that inspires movement, nostalgia and a deep connection with their audience. They’re currently gearing up to release exciting new material.

What inspires the music you create or perform?
Human beings and the human connection are interesting. When we write songs, we observe and simplify. That simplification of our concepts makes the songs more relatable.

How would you describe your sound or approach to music-making?
The ideas almost always begin with a guitar and vocal line. If it’s interesting, we’ll start building from there. A lot of musical decisions happen during the recording process with the help of our friend, recording and mixing engineer, Abdulla Jamal (Soundman Studio).

Which local and international artists do you admire?
We love The Beatles, Ray Charles, Elvis but we’ve been exploring subgenres like alternative, hard rock, pop rock and blues. Locally, we admire the behind-the-scenes workhorses who help our industry evolve – our friend Abdurahman Rashid is a great example. We’ve also been listening to some Osiris during rehearsals.

GO: FOLLOW @THERELOCATORS ON INSTAGRAM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

VYBHAV DATH
Rapper | Dancer

Vybhav Dath is a multifaceted artist – rapper, poet, dancer, model, creative visionary and one of the directors of Aura Arts Centre. A representative of hip-hop culture through rap, dance and fashion, he also expresses funk through movement. His dance style blends popping, boogaloo, tutting, waving, animation and hip-hop. He’s a GCC all-style champion, performer, judge and more.

What inspires you as an artist?
Everything around me – realising we’re small beings in this vast, constantly moving realm. When you simply look up, look around, there’s always something new to notice or understand. Paying attention to your inner world also sharpens how you see things externally. In the end, inspiration is everywhere – it’s just about being open to it.

How would you describe your style or approach to your craft?
I’m inspired by a lot of things daily, but I don’t rely on inspiration to create. Whether I feel it or not, I show up and do the work – that’s where the craftsman in me comes in. I’m also constantly researching – looking into the greats, the roots of what I do and the deeper messages behind it all. I don’t copy others. Taking inspiration is fine, but I try to empty myself of what I already know, so I can create from something more instinctive – not just what I’ve seen or learnt.

Which local and international artists do you admire?
I often admire poetic passages from the Quran, Bible and Bhagavad Gita. Some of my favourite international artists are Aesop Rock, Eminem, Black Thought, Kendrick Lamar, DMX and Saul Williams. Local artists include Chemi, Dusty, Sammy, my brother Vyshnav Dath, Faroos and many more.

GO: FOLLOW @VYBHAV_DATH ON INSTAGRAM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

YAD OUD
Musician

YAD Oud is a masked Bahraini artist known for oud covers of Arabic classics that connect with listeners worldwide. With millions of streams on YouTube and Spotify, his fresh, heartfelt interpretations bridge cultures and invite global audiences to experience the depth of Arabic musical heritage.

What inspires the music you create or perform?
I’m inspired by a mix of emotions and tradition. Feelings like nostalgia, wonder or sadness often shape what I play. I also draw from Arabic musical heritage, blending those emotions with melodies that connect across cultures and generations.

How would you describe your sound or approach to music-making?
My sound combines traditional Arabic oud techniques with arrangements shaped by emotion and modern listening styles. I focus on making music that’s authentic yet accessible, guided by what I feel when interpreting or reimagining classic pieces.

Which local and international artists do you admire?
Locally, one of my earliest influences was Mohammed Al Hasan and his fresh perspective on Arabic music. Internationally, Abadi Al Johar is the reason I picked up the oud – his playing moved me deeply. I also draw inspiration from Frank Ocean and Billie Eilish for their fearless approach to emotion, production and artistry beyond genre limits.

GO: FOLLOW @YAD.OUD ON INSTAGRAM FOR MORE INFORMATION.