MANAMA: “Colors awaken something in the soul, and art is part of public culture and the driver for creativity and beauty.”

With these words, artist and CEO of the Nuwah Foundation Sheikha Hala bint Mohammed Al-Khalifa began an interview with Sayidaty magazine.

Daughter of Bahrain, she is a rare personality who needs no introduction — she embraces Arab cultural and artistic depth and leaves a special creative imprint that pushes forward her country’s identity in its Arabic language.

Sheikha Hala bint Mohammed Al-Khalifa

Sheikha Hala bint Mohammed Al-Khalifa is a Bahraini artist who is passionate about museum education. Colors awaken parts of her soul, and fine art captures her mind and sparks inspiration.

She believes in the role of cultural institutions in boosting knowledge, familiarizing societies with history, and stimulating creative minds that help with society’s advancement.

She has worked on developing a wide range of programs, including “Food is Culture,” as well as documentaries as part of the Oral History Project.

She has also contributed to preserving intangible heritage and took part in the Artist in a School initiative.

Sheikha Hala believes that things start with a small idea, which subsequently matures and eventually develops.

This rare passion was inherited from her mother, leader of the Arab cultural and art scene Sheikha Mai bint Mohammed Al-Khalifa, who taught her that ancient history fuels the perceptions of the present. She also taught her that historians’ writings, grounded in reflecting on history, can feed museums’ contemporary insights and the way societies are presented and studied through their artistic creations.

First of all, tell us about the world of art, heritage and culture. What does it mean to you and what attracted you to it?

I belonged to the world of art from a young age; it has always been my inspiration. To me, colors are significantly important as they stimulate me to awaken something in my soul. Fine art and colors have the greatest impact in my heart. I draw from them vast spaces of thought, reflection and inspiration. As for culture, it is part of the vibrant fabric of any society. Our heritage, with its beauty and diversity, constitutes all parts of my identity.

How do you see the contributions of Gulf women to drawing attention to museums, and raising awareness about their importance, through the initiatives led by women like you, along with Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Latifa bint Mohammed Al-Maktoum, Princess Haifa bint Mansour Al-Saud, and Layla Al-Dabbagh?

Gulf women have (left) a clear mark on our society. In the artistic and cultural arena, for example, there are women who, through their education and passion, have started a clear renaissance and we are proud of their creativity. Through their work and dedication they contribute to the creation of the most beautiful spaces for texts in this sector.

Gulf and Arab women are currently in their golden era. How do you see their empowerment process?

Women in our countries have always gone through important stages, and I see in them the continuity of their grandmothers’ and families’ pasts. I think modern Gulf women took the most beautiful legacy and worked on communicating their countries’ identity to the world.

There is a constant debate about the importance of learning art compared to innate talent. What is your point of view on this subject?

Talent without refinement, education and training cannot reach its full potential. Talent is a blessing from God, but every creative artist, every master craftsman, and every talented writer must continue to learn, as education opens up broader prospects for development. Talented people must also keep pace with the local and international scenes. It’s important to see, read, and listen to the experiences in our field of work to increase our knowledge.

How do you describe the reflection of the Gulf and Arab identity in artistic work amid globalization and, shall we say, the crisis facing the Arabic language in the lives of new generations?

Regarding the artistic movement in our region, it receives significant support. This can be seen during the cultural and artistic seasons, conferences, forums, exhibitions, periodical art biennales, and updated museums that break local identity and speak to recipients through various artworks.

I believe that the Arab identity is present in the mind of creators, as well as this generation’s artists. However, I regret to say that we tend to resort to foreign languages when we speak and write as (it is) an easier path to expression, and we forget the depth and importance of maintaining our identity through our Arabic language!

I really hope that the new generation of artists will go back to this rich language and take pride in it so it can withstand the globalization challenges surrounding us. In this regard, I recall the words of poet Ahmed Shawqi, who said: “He who filled languages with charms, instilled beauty and its secret into the Arabic language.”

As an artist, what are the challenges facing Gulf and Arab artists?

The challenges faced by any artist, whether in our homelands or in the world, is to be true to their art, meaning to present an art piece that stirs emotions and creates a unique imprint in the world of art. This is the biggest challenge.

Every artist has their own language of expression, but when presenting an art piece their message must be profound and carry something unique to them.

What has art added to you, and how has it influenced your personality from childhood until today?

Art is an integral part of who I am, and it naturally drives my work across all its fields. It enriches the soul and becomes the main centerpiece of a place. Art is part of the general culture, and the driver for creativity and beauty.

Is there a particular global experience, whether cultural or artistic, that touches on a specific issue and that you think is a remarkable model?

There are many important experiences that left a distinct mark. I am part of this region, and I am immensely proud of the position that arts have reached in our countries, especially the Gulf Cooperation Council countries which have focused on building museums of the highest standard, creating a comprehensive cultural climate and providing new spaces for work.

There are also various specializations needed in these institutions and museums, and this plays a vital and pioneering role in supporting the cultural economy sector and the growth of the creative industries.

Let’s talk about family. You grew up with parents who were interested in poetry and art. How did that contribute to supporting your career path and personal growth?

I am truly grateful for the support I received from my parents since childhood. Family support is one of the most important foundations for building self-confidence and motivating people to pursue their dreams. My parents are my first supporters, and because of that I was able to study art at university. For the record, none of them objected to me entering this field, which opened wide opportunities for me to work under the umbrella of arts and culture.

I believe that family discovers any talent their children have, provides them with a beautiful education that is open to diversity, and believes that talent has the vast potential for growth, helping them progress and develop their skills as it shapes a future of contribution and work from an early age.

Based on your experience as a mother, how would you describe your relationship with your children, and does history repeat itself with your support of their talents now that you have shifted from being a daughter to a mother?

Children are a blessing from God, and motherhood is a beautiful feeling. Of course, it is an experience from which I have learned a lot. My relationship with my children is based on love, transparency in communication and friendship, and this is important to break any barriers of fear or embarrassment. I deal with them with love, and I always receive even more love in return.

You have had important milestones, starting from your studies to your Gulf and international contributions, the responsibilities you have assumed, and now your position as the director general of culture and arts at the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities. What is the most important lesson you have learned from this journey?

The most important lesson I have learned in my work in cultural institutions and others is the importance of loving the work itself. I believe that successful work is based on believing in and loving the goal. Without that, we will not progress, and our output will have no value. The main driver is having faith in the work itself and doing it with a loving and believing heart. In order to succeed any work must be surrounded by sincere hearts and a team that supports the vision and the goal.

In your opinion, what is the role of arts and culture in building human bridges between civilizations?

Arts and culture constitute the vital bridge between nations and peoples, and the driving forces for movement and knowledge transfer between diverse societies.

Bahrain is a pioneer in the world of arts, and is rich with both seasoned and young talents. How do you view the development of the art scene over the decades?

What distinguishes Bahrain and its cultural and artistic movement is that it possesses an abundance of creative young energies. Its land nurtures talents and supports their growth. This extensive and profound cultural fabric has provided young creators with a significant space for contribution. I believe that civilization, history, and local identity play a major role in shaping the current cultural scene.

What is your advice to young artists?

My advice to young innovators is to always open the door to knowledge, listen to every new idea, and draw inspiration from their culture, local identity, and personal experiences. This ensures that their work is genuine and carries a part of who they are.

How do you express your emotions through art?

Art, for me, translates the psychological state surrounding me. Anxiety, in many instances, generates an important painting, and sometimes the driving force behind a piece is simply a specific message. This message gets translated into the artwork.

In many of my works, there were distinct messages, such as the subject of the “gargoor,” a traditional fishing tool, which repeatedly appeared in many pieces I worked on, as well as the “burqaa” of the bird which inspired many of my creations.

There’s also the theme of war, displacement, and the use of boats that painfully transport people from one place to another in search of a better and safer life.

These subjects inspire me to explore an artistic language that manifests (itself) in a painted canvas or an installation piece carrying within its details a certain message.

You radiate wonderful positive energy. How do you maintain your passion despite life’s pressures?

Positivity and a smile are essential. Life is full of challenges, but I always try to hold on to hope. Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement, as the poet Aboul-Qacem Echebbi said: “Take life as it comes to you, smiling, whether it holds laurels or ruin in its palms.”

Outside of art, what activities do you enjoy during your free time?

Reading, cooking, and enjoying nature. The sea is especially important to me, and being near it always brings me a sense of tranquility. I also love spending time with family and friends.

What does travel mean to you? Is there a destination you prefer?

Travel is important for renewal, learning, and enjoying different atmospheres. Visiting museums and discovering new things are, of course, what attract me the most. I love seeing different societies and getting to know other cultures.

You mentioned that you grew up reading Sayidaty, and we are delighted to feature you on the magazine’s cover on the occasion of Bahrain’s National Day. Do you have a message for this occasion?

Sayidaty magazine, throughout its years of publication, has been distinguished by its immense contributions. Currently, we see a qualitative development in its content and pages, as it always focuses on showcasing the best of what our Arab world possesses.

I am happy to be part of this special issue celebrating my homeland, the Kingdom of Bahrain, on its National Day. I wish my country and all Arab nations growth, prosperity, and peace.

This article was first published in Sayidaty magazine on Dec. 15, 2024.