Windows AND DREAMS

A historic international art exhibition unites Jewish-Arab artists in Bahrain for the frst time.

On February 22, 2023, the capital of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Manama, hosted a remarkable exhibition titled “Windows and Dreams”. The exhibition showcased works of three artists – father and son Alexander and Jacob Aizenshtat from Jerusalem, and Bahraini artist His Excellency Sheikh Rashid Al-Khalifa.

“Windows and Dreams” made history as the frst international art project in the Middle East with Jewish-Arab participation, made possible by the joint efforts of the Bahraini RAK Art Foundation, Dubai Academy, and entrepreneur Chaim Aizenshtat, son and impresario of Alexander Aizenshtat. The exhibition was supported by the renowned Jewish philanthropist German Zakharyaev.

This historic event was made possible thanks to the “Abraham Accords”, the 2020 agreement to normalize diplomatic and other relations between Bahrain and Israel, which allowed Sheikh Rashid Al-Khalifa and the RAK Art Foundation to invite the Aizenshtats to Bahrain. The idea of a large exhibition project in Bahrain initially came from Chaim Aizenshtat, who was supported by His Excellency Ahmed Abdulrahman Mahmoud Ismail Al-Saati, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Sheikh Rashid, who comes from a distinguished family and is a cousin of His Majesty the King of Bahrain, Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, showed great hospitality during the exhibition, hosting the Aizenshtats for several months in Manama and providing them with a well-equipped workshop. During this time, the artists created dozens of works, some of which were selected for the exhibition.

The exhibition showcased conventional oil paintings by Alexander Aizenshtat, photographs by Jacob Aizenshtat that underwent additional processing using sophisticated techniques, and abstract paintings made with enamel on aluminum by Sheikh Rashid. The three artists are united by the priority of color and form in their works, with the theme of windows playing a crucial role in their art.

The opening ceremony was attended by several hundred guests, including US Ambassador Steven Bondy, diplomats, politicians, businessmen, art collectors, and connoisseurs, who were greatly impressed by the exposition. The exhibition will continue for a few more weeks in Manama before moving to Abu Dhabi, where the artists have been invited to showcase their works.