Manama: The Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) has announced the passing of renowned Bahraini visual artist Abdulkarim Al Orrayed, recognizing his significant contributions to the Kingdom of Bahrain’s art movement. His creative achievements extended beyond Bahrain to the wider Arab region.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the BACA highlighted the loss of a prominent figure in Bahrain’s art scene and a pioneer in visual arts. Abdulkarim Al Orrayed’s work played a vital role in shaping the Kingdom’s artistic identity.
Born in Manama in 1934, Al Orrayed frequently depicted the capital in his artworks. He was one of the founders of Bahrain’s visual arts movement and held his first solo exhibition in Manama in 1960, which marked a pivotal moment in the country’s modern art history.
His artistic portfolio included expressive and abstract paintings that documented social life and Bahrain’s traditional heritage. His style was influenced by modern European art, yet he maintained a unique ability to present local and global themes innovatively.
Al Orrayed also contributed to the formation of art societies and collectives, such as the Art Enthusiasts Society and the Bahrain Contemporary Art Association. He represented Bahrain in significant artistic events and conferences both locally and internationally, exhibiting his work in countries including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, and Singapore.
In addition to his artwork, he authored several publications that documented his artistic journey and highlighted Bahrain’s history and heritage, including “Window on History,” “Art Harvest,” and “Manama Through Five Centuries.” He received numerous awards and honors for his accomplishments and enduring impact.