From the old alleyways of Muharraq to international museum collections, acclaimed Bahraini artist Jamal Abdul Rahim chats with Apple Sharma to reflect on a lifetime dedicated to creativity, his deep connection to the sea and his mission to preserve the art of printmaking.

fact: Your path into the art world wasn’t a conventional one. Can you tell us how your artistic journey began and what led you to pursue art more seriously?
JAR: My journey in art began during my school years, when I had a strong passion for drawing. However, as is often the case during adolescence, I drifted away from it. Later, after travelling to India, I returned home and, finding myself without a job or commitments, decided to pick up painting again. My first exhibition was a group exhibition at Al Hala Club in 1987. That experience was a definitive turning point, a ‘to be or not to be’ moment, and I chose to fully commit to art. From then on, I became self-taught, practising daily and mastering the fundamentals. In 1990, I held my first solo exhibition, which I consider the true spark of my artistic career.

fact: Your work spans painting, etching, printmaking, sculpture and drawing. Is there a medium you particularly enjoy working with, and what makes it your favourite?
JAR: All forms of art are interconnected, and I believe each medium carries its own unique joy. Painting and drawing bring a distinct kind of pleasure; printmaking and engraving bring another; and sculpture has a special allure. I don’t confine myself to a single style. What matters most is that the structural foundation and fundamentals of the craft are strong, whether in sculpture, painting or printmaking. When I need a creative break, I pivot to sculpture, then return to painting or move into printmaking. Navigating the broader world of art is a personal pleasure and, ultimately, a quest to find oneself.

fact: Muharraq, its old neighbourhoods and the sea feature strongly in your work. What is it about these elements that continues to inspire you after all these years?
JAR: Place holds immense significance for any individual. I grew up in Muharraq and know its people, streets, alleyways and neighbourhoods intimately. These surroundings undoubtedly shaped my identity as an artist. The sea is also an essential part of who we are. After all, we are Bahrain, the country of two seas. To this day, I visit the sea almost daily. For me, it is like a distant rival that inspires many of my concepts and colour palettes. I once dedicated an entire exhibition to the movement of water and wind at sea during the night, using only shades of black. The sea also gives me a sense of freedom and openness, providing the energy I need not only for my work but for life itself.

fact: Looking back at your body of work, is there one particular piece that holds special meaning for you, and why?
JAR: As I mentioned, I am against sticking to a single, rigid style; I don’t believe in confining art to a label. I simply create what inspires me. What truly matters is that I completely master my artistic tools and the techniques I use. My artworks are like my children; I never sign a piece unless I am entirely satisfied with it. Once it bears my signature, it means I love it, and I don’t favour one piece over another. As you mature as an artist, you look back and notice certain flaws in pieces you created 10 or 15 years ago. You learn to move past those mistakes, but you leave the older works exactly as they are because they perfectly represent the honesty of that specific moment in time.

fact: You’re planning to open The Museum of Engraving and Printmaking – Jamal A. Rahim Gallery. What inspired you to create this space, and what role do you hope it will play in Bahrain’s cultural landscape?
JAR: Printmaking is my core specialisation, and I am well-recognised both locally and internationally in this field. Many of my artworks are held in prestigious global collections, including the Asian Civilisations Museum in Singapore and the British Museum, and I have received two major international printmaking awards. Unfortunately, in the Arab region, printmaking and engraving haven’t received the recognition they deserve. Many artists abandoned the medium and turned to painting because works on paper are less commercially sought after than canvas. Even I have had to paint and focus on fine art drawing to cover daily expenses. Having spent my life in this field, I made a commitment to preserve the legacy of artists devoted to the craft. This led me to launch what may be the Arab world’s first initiative dedicated to collecting print and engraving works by Arab, Khaleeji, Egyptian and international artists. Located in Muharraq along the Pearl Path, we hope to inaugurate it soon as the Museum of Engraving and Printmaking, and I hope it will truly add value to Bahrain’s cultural landscape.

fact: Are there any upcoming creative projects that you’re currently working on or that are in the pipeline?
JAR: To be honest, there are new projects happening every day, but I am the type of artist who works continuously on various concepts and then sets them aside. I keep creating, and when the right opportunity comes along, I already have a body of work ready. I can then select a specific collection from these pieces, curate them around a cohesive theme and present them in a solo exhibition.

fact: If you could own any artwork from history and hang it in your home, what would it be and why?
JAR: I have a deep love for art in general, and I always wished to bring the works of great masters into my own home. Over the years, I have built a substantial private collection featuring both paintings and print works, though my primary passion and focus remain on collecting handmade print artworks. In this field specifically, my collection includes works by masters such as Rembrandt, Goya, Damien Hirst, Henry Moore, Joan Miró and many others, alongside works by major Arab artists.

fact: When you’re away from the studio, where do you find inspiration outside of art?
JAR: In my view, the rhythm of life is the ultimate foundation of any creative idea. When you are rooted in the history of your region and country, everything becomes a potential source of inspiration. Inspiration doesn’t just fall from the sky; it is the cumulative result of everything that surrounds a human being. War, peace, beauty, nature and the environment – all of these elements serve as endless resources for an artist’s inspiration. ✤

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