For our first event of the new season, we’ll introduce the new format of our popular monthly gatherings, now more of a “live art experience” rather than just a showcase. Featuring performances from acoustic blues singer/songwriter Faisal Sheikh (from the band The Tryout), with an improvised photo shoot by photographer Ahmed Zayer and some messy/vibrant art from Yasmine Rasool.

ELHAM19 will feature a “photo shoot” conducted by Ahmed Zayer that will involve the artists and the audience. Born in 1980, the Bahraini photographer developed his interest in imagery art at late 2006. Soon he established a career as one of the most remarkable and excitingly expressive forces in fashion and commercial photography. Working with local and regional celebrities, his artwork usually explores an amusing blend of focus, color, and environment; revealing the unique qualities of a star.

Self-taught vocalist, guitarist and composer of mostly rock and blues music, Faisal Sheikh will be performing some of his songs from his upcoming solo debut record, in the café terrace, in which he’ll invite the crowd to join in making music. He has a number of local gigs to his credit, mostly with his friends and his band called ‘The Tryout’. His songwriting usually revolves around the idea of people trying to get out of a rut, to find themselves and to progress in life. A couple of his home recordings can be heard on Elham’s compilation ‘Museland’.

Ahmed Zayer

While 23-year-old artist Yasmine Rasool will present some of her recent artworks and talk about her experience in making experimental and abstract art. Yasmine, a graduate of the Concordia College, Canada, with a studio arts and psychology degree, has recently participated in the experimental workshop and art exhibit ‘A Beautiful Mess’ at Alriwaq Art Gallery.

The evening will also introduce an international artist to Elham. American abstract artist Laurie Goddard, holder of BFA in printmaking from the Moore College of Art, will share her experience and present some of her artwork for the first time in Bahrain. The award-winning artist was involved in numerous art exhibitions across the United States since 2002.