The recent exhibition “River Two Seas” hosted by the Amana Creative Collective at The Collective Hub in Manama’s Yateem Centre aimed to raise awareness about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and foster solidarity with the Palestinian people. The exhibition, the collective’s first, featured artworks that emphasized breaking the borders between lands to show that despite the physical boundaries separating Bahrain from Gaza, the shared pain and desire for freedom surpass these divisions.
Attendees at the exhibition showed their support for the Palestinian cause by wearing the traditional Palestinian keffiyeh, and a whiteboard was available for visitors to leave messages of solidarity for the people of Gaza. The Daily Tribune spoke to several artists about their paintings and the meaning behind them. Fawaz AlAliwat’s painting, “The Sacrifice,” depicted a Palestinian youth standing boldly against oppression, symbolizing resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
Marwa Ali Ahmed’s piece, “Stolen Childhood Liberates Palestine,” shed light on the plight of Gazan children who have lost their lives or been injured due to the conflict. She believes that these children, with their unwavering faith, will be the ones to ultimately bring about the liberation of Palestine. Layla Alammari’s “Watermelon Collage” represented the fractured yet united Palestinian people, with the Al-Aqsa Mosque serving as a symbol of strength and resilience.
Overall, the “River Two Seas” exhibition was a poignant and powerful showcase of artwork that not only highlighted the struggles of the Palestinian people but also emphasized the unity and resilience that defines their spirit. The event successfully brought attention to the ongoing crisis in Gaza and encouraged viewers to express solidarity and support for those affected by the conflict. Through art, the Amana Creative Collective was able to convey a message of hope, determination, and perseverance in the face of adversity.
