In Vivid Colour

Bright colours, abstract shapes and visual storytelling make the unique works of Bahraini artist Mariam Dashti unmistakable. She tells Farah Baig about how a dream and revisiting her passion for art led her down a colourful path to artistic fulfilment.

“Bahrain’s art scene is a growing community full of talented Bahrainis unleashing their creativity in various ways. People are finding their passion and pursuing it; it’s wonderful to witness that.” These are the words of Mariam Dashti, a talented Bahraini herself, who is making waves on the art scene.

Having graduated from Leeds University with a Master’s Degree in Economics, Mariam initially ventured out into the corporate world, pursuing a career in banking. “It didn't take long for me to realise that banking was not for me. So, a couple of years later I decided to quit my job and figure out what truly ignites my soul,” she says.

In 2018, Mariam dreamt that she was painting on a large wall – a dream that would lead to a blossoming career in art. “When I woke up, I thought ‘Why don’t I start painting again?’ but it had been 10 years since I’d stopped when I left Bahrain to study abroad,” she reminisces. “It felt new to me so I was struggling to achieve the results I wanted, but I am a keen learner… so I did some research and found Artology, and that's where I rediscovered the artist within me.”

Mariam’s preferred medium is acrylics and her art is identified by its bold, vibrant colours and unique abstract figures. “Colour and shape play a major part in my work. When all the elements are eventually brought together in a painting, it becomes a journey of communication between the viewer and myself,” she explains.

Most artists typically have a plan before starting a painting, but that isn’t Mariam’s approach. “I like to pour my heart out first and then make sense of what I see. That’s something I love about art – it has no rules. My inner thoughts, feelings and experiences inspire each of my paintings. So, they each tell a story or, oftentimes, more than one story,” she says.

“Each canvas is a journey of its own. Each painting has its struggles and triumphs, and each painting represents a unique time in my life. When you buy a painting from an artist, you are buying more than just a painting. You are buying a part of someone's soul,” she adds.

She now aspires to hold her first solo art exhibition, with a long-term goal being to penetrate the international art market while being recognised as an artist internationally.

“My paintings are displayed at Fakhrawi Gallery from time to time, and I have participated in a few exhibitions in the past. This year I have been selected as a participant in the 49th Bahrain Annual Fine Arts Exhibition - a great honour for me!” she says enthusiastically.

“Art at its core should make you feel something. People often measure art solely by its beauty, but art is so much more. It is in the portrayal of the artist’s profound emotions. It’s in the conveyance of a concept or idea between the artist and the perceiver. It’s in seeing things from another’s viewpoint. It’s a door for conversations and sharing the way we experience the world. Art connects us with something bigger than ourselves,” she concludes.

To keep up with Mariam and her stunning art, follow @mariamdashti_art on Instagram or email mariamdashtiart@gmail.com.

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