The Bahrain National Museum invites audiences to experience the architectural and artistic mastery of Juan Garaizabal, with pieces inspired by the ancient city of Dilmun.

Art enthusiasts, feast your eyes on a remarkable exhibition by acclaimed Spanish artist Juan Garaizabal, right here in Bahrain.

The ongoing exhibit, Memories Carved in Steel: Echoes from Dilmun and Beyond, will be held at the Bahrain National Museum until May 23, 2025. It is organised in collaboration with the RAK Art Foundation and the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA).

Interweaving architecture, memory and sculpture into powerful works that bring the past to life, Juan presents his artistry through a unique collection of pieces that explore the dimensions of time, space and human history. The display features 12 large-scale outdoor sculptures, two of which are specially commissioned for Manama, along with 10 intricate works on paper and five smaller sculptures displayed inside the museum.

At the heart of the exhibition is The Door of Dilmun, a stunning piece inspired by the ancient civilisation of Dilmun, renowned for its association with purity and eternal life.

Composed of stainless steel and concrete, the sculpture evokes an ethereal quality, embodying a timeless sketch of the past. “It stands as a monument to the fleeting nature of human greatness, reminding us that even the most splendid civilisations are destined to fade,” says Juan.

The outdoor installations, designed to harmonise with Bahrain’s landscape, offer visitors a unique interaction between art and environment. The indoor segment extends the narrative with smaller works and detailed drawings that invite guests into a reflective journey bridging history and modernity.

Juan’s sculptures have been exhibited at famous art venues globally, including a recent landmark installation at Art Basel, Switzerland, and the celebrated Urban Memory Miami Havana’s Balcony. Currently, he is developing the International Center for Nature and Contemporary Sculpture near Madrid, an ambitious project he envisions as his legacy for future generations. ✤

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