Perched on Bahrain’s Manama Seafront, Gallery B•R isn’t your usual white-wall art space. "The gallery is not your typical art gallery that you find in the region," explains Anna Chappel, the Bahrain gallery director. "We deal with contemporary art, mid-century design, and antiques."
What exactly does that entail? According to Chappel, their mid-century design focus centres on "original or first edition pieces," a rarity in a region often filled with reproductions.
Their antique collection spans a fascinating range, from early 20th-century Art Deco to a 15th-century French bench and even Roman archaeological pieces.
The magic, however, lies in the unexpected juxtapositions.
"We mix all of these kind of iconic pieces of history with contemporary art and it kind of creates quite an interesting narrative between past and present," Chappel elaborates.
Spring Show: A Celebration of Connection
Gallery B•R's commitment to fostering connection and dialogue is exemplified in their Spring Show. The exhibition draws inspiration from Victor Hugo's sentiment: "If people did not love one another, I really don't see what use there would be in having any spring".
The Spring Show is presented as a reflection on the season's themes of change, light, rhythm, and connection. It emphasises the importance of reconnecting with oneself, the environment, and the community. The exhibition unites works by diverse artists across various mediums, geographies, and artistic theses.
The ongoing exhibition features prominent artists, Pierre Augustin Rose, Poul Kjærholm, Bruno Ollé, Andrea Torres, Antonia Ferrer, Nuria Maria, Sabine Finkenauer, Emeca, Maria Yelletisch, Maru Quiñonero, Claudia Valsells, Aythamy Armas, Maryam Al-Tajer, and Alejo Palacios.
The Current Conversation
Beyond specific exhibitions, step into Gallery B•R, and you'll likely encounter a space where diverse elements converse.
Imagine a vibrant contemporary painting hanging near a meticulously preserved mid-century armchair, or a striking sculpture placed thoughtfully alongside an ancient artifact.
This isn't just about display; it's about sparking connections and inviting viewers to consider the evolution of aesthetics and ideas across time.
Chappel emphasises the instinctive nature of their curation. "We always start with kind of a blank canvas and then we bring things in based around, you know, certain special pieces. And we very much believe in a world that is aesthetically run."
What's Next? A Glimpse into Future Exhibitions
Looking ahead, Gallery B•R has exciting plans. Chappel hinted at a long-term project focusing on ceramics, from the Hispano-Moresque period.
This refers to a style of Islamic pottery created in Al-Andalus (Muslim Iberia). It blended Islamic and European elements and was renowned for its elaborate, luxurious designs.
More immediately, the gallery will host a solo exhibition by the young artist Enrich.R.
Chappel speaks with palpable excitement about his work. This will be his first show in the Middle East, marking a significant moment for both the artist and the gallery.
Championing Bahrain's Art Scene
Gallery B•R's vision extends beyond its own walls.
Chappel is clearly passionate about the local art scene. "I think the art scene in Bahrain is really, really exciting and it doesn't get kind of looked at enough when you consider the art scenes in the gulf," she asserts. "I think Bahrain was an absolute leader of artistic movements in the region."
“We want to do everything we can to" support the local scene, Chappel states, highlighting the "amazing artists and art practitioners" she encounters daily.
Gallery B•R is open from Saturday to Thursday, from 10AM to 5PM on all days except on Saturdays, when it closes at 2PM.
Visit: www.gallerybr.co.uk
Evangeline Elsa is a Dubai-based journalist with 15 years of experience. She enjoys telling success stories and writing on lifestyle, arts, interiors, F&B, and Korean culture. A homebody at heart, she paints, sings, reads Substacks, and dotes on her rescue dog, Pepper.
