After fifty years of painting, pioneering Bahraini artist Abbas Al Mosawi has a dream: to create a museum for peace, an island for peace, and a house for peace, starting in Bahrain. “This will be dedicated to the new generation,” he says, a legacy of unity and harmony he hopes to share with the world. His peace project, born from a lifetime of art, will travel across the globe, carrying a message of hope and understanding.
This ambitious vision is the culmination of a remarkable career that began on Bahrain’s “island of beauty.” Al Mosawi’s journey has been defined by his dedication to capturing the essence of his homeland. “I have spent half a century traveling, creating, and connecting. It all began in Bahrain, where the vibrant atmosphere inspired my art,” he reflects. His contributions to the cultural fabric of Bahrain include co-founding the Bahrain Art Society alongside luminaries like his teacher, Ahmed Baqer, and Sheikh Rashid Al Khalifa.
A proud impressionist, Al Mosawi’s work celebrates fleeting moments and deep emotions. Over the first thirty years of his career, he relied on oil paints to bring his visions to life, before transitioning to acrylics for their vibrant and versatile qualities. His art has evolved over the decades, yet one thing remains constant: his commitment to showcasing Bahrain’s beauty. “I tried to portray the beauty of Bahrain through the paintings that I painted,” he says, drawing inspiration from the island’s deserts, farms, and parks.
Among his works are paintings that blend philosophical techniques to create panoramic views of Bahrain, combining intricate details into cohesive masterpieces. Al Mosawi’s creativity extends to monochromatic pieces like Bab Al-Bahrain, which highlight the timeless charm of Bahrain’s heritage. “The whole idea is to show the old Bahrain,” he explains, using black and white to emphasize the elegance of the past.
Yet, Al Mosawi’s art is not just about aesthetics. His work is imbued with a message of peace, a value he holds close to his heart. “Through my paintings, I want to convey the message of peace,” he says. This theme resonates in his latest exhibition, Art and Peace, which commemorates his fifty-year artistic journey.
As Abbas Al Mosawi reflects on his fifty years of artistic excellence, his vision for peace transcends the canvas. From Bahrain’s rich cultural heritage to a global stage, his journey stands as a testament to the transformative power of art. With his dream of a museum, an island, and a house for peace, Al Mosawi continues to inspire hope, bridging generations with his profound message: peace begins with creativity, and creativity begins with connection.
