The Art behind the Stars

Date: February 15 to March 16, 2025

"The Art behind the Stars” is an exhibition that bridges the glamour of international stars from cinema and music and the depth of fine art portraiture. The collection presents 22 artworks by Bahraini artist Jamal A. Rahim. It features portraits of legendary figures from Hollywood and the Arab world, including Marilyn Monroe, Marlon Brando, Umm Kulthum, Abdel Halim, and others. “The Art behind the Stars” opens on Saturday, February 15, 2025, with an opening reception at 6:00 pm. The exhibition runs until March 16, 2025.

“The Art behind the Stars" is an exhibition that delves into the world of celebrity through the lens of artistry. The collection showcases compelling portraits of international stars from the world of entertainment, each offering a unique perspective on our culture, identity, own experience, and memories. The artworks offer a rare glimpse into the humanity behind the screen legends and cultural icons. Each portrait provides a window into our shared cultural memory, exploring how these iconic figures have shaped our collective identity and experience. This exhibition is Jamal A. Rahim’s homage to the artists who resonate with global audiences and left their marks deeply in our lives.

Jamal Abdul Rahim’s journey in the art world has allowed him the freedom to experiment and stretch the boundaries of conventional image-making. He spent years studying the works of portrait masters and honing techniques to bring a modern touch and a fresh perspective to traditional methods. This exhibition not only celebrates artistic expression but also fosters dialogue about the power of portraiture in bridging cultural divides, making it a significant contribution to contemporary art discourse. He is well known for his bright color palette and portraiture, especially his portraits of Umm Kulthum. Jamal A. Rahim has previously held exhibitions in Kuwait, Egypt, Morocco, Syria, Saudi Arabia, the UK, Norway, Holland, Japan, Slovenia, Spain, and France, to name a few.

Shatha Almutawa, founder and director of Kutubna Cultural Center, said: "The ‘Art behind the Stars’ marks our first exhibition in 2025 and the first solo exhibition by a Bahraini artist at the center. We are proud to be able to share Jamal A. Rahim’s works and celebrate his accomplishments, thanks to the valuable support from our exhibition partners, the International House Group and Al Bait Al Duwaliy Real Estate. We are planning a variety of cultural events at Kutubna and some new additions. This year, we will also host a philosophy lecture series, writing workshops, and events for parents with their young children, such as ‘Philosophy in the Playroom’ and ‘Poetry in the Playroom.’ Art workshops for people of all ages continue weekly at Kutubna, along with events for kids and teens.”

About Jamal A. Rahim

Jamal A. Rahim (b. 1965) grew up in the historic alleys of Al Muharraq, Bahrain. He continues to live in Al Muharraq, where he has built both his home and studio. His early years were deeply influenced by the sea, which he grew attached to as a child, spending much of his time immersed in its beauty.

Rahim’s artistic journey began after he returned from India in 1984, where he had studied technical drawing and earned a diploma in drafting. Initially, drawing was a hobby, but his passion for art was sparked by his participation in his first joint exhibition at Al Hala Club in Al Muharraq in 1987, where he met renowned Bahraini artists, who encouraged Rahim to pursue art more seriously. 

In 1988, Rahim joined The Bahrain Arts Society (BAS), where he was captivated by etching and printing techniques. Eager to learn, he delved into those techniques while working at BAS studios. His first solo exhibition took place on February 3, 1990, at the BAS exhibition hall, where he showcased a collection of sketches, oil paintings, and etchings. This exhibition marked the true beginning of his career.

Driven by an insatiable desire to grow as an artist, Rahim traveled to several European countries, including France, England, and Spain, spending countless hours in museums studying masterpieces. He also invested in books on art to deepen his knowledge. During this time, Rahim fell in love with sculpture, particularly a piece he was unable to afford at the time. This led him to explore sculpting with stone, a medium he has since worked with extensively, creating hundreds of sculptures since 2003.

Rahim’s artistic works express the profound connection between man and the universe, shaped by his identity as a Bahraini artist, his upbringing in Al Muharraq, and his close ties to the sea. His art is informed by the rich history of the region, surrounded by three great civilizations: Arab, Persian, and Indian. This blend of cultural influences deeply impacts Rahim’s creations, which are often infused with Arabic calligraphy. He views Arabic letters as integral elements of his artwork, believing in the endless beauty and profound significance of the Arabic language. At the core of Rahim’s art is a passion for exploration. He continuously shapes the world around him into diverse artistic expressions—drawing, painting, etching, printmaking, or sculpture. His work remains a testament to his ongoing love of art and his constant quest to push the boundaries of creative expression.

The exhibition is supported by:

The International House Group

Al Bait Al Duwaliy Real Estate 

About Kutubna Cultural Center

Kutubna Cultural Center was established in 2023 as an independent bookstore and literary hub for Dubai and the Gulf region. Kutubna offers an inclusive community space to enjoy books, art, specialty coffee, and cultural events. Kutubna’s vision is to become a premier destination for literary and cultural enrichment in Dubai and the Gulf region. 

Kutubna celebrates the accomplishments of Khaleeji, Arab, Middle Eastern, North African, and Muslim writers, poets, thinkers, artists, and researchers. We amplify these essential voices through lectures, readings, guided conversations, workshops, and other activities for people of all ages. Kutubna strives to make creative and scholarly pursuits accessible to people who are traditionally at the margins. We work especially hard to make cultural events easier for mothers with young children to attend. 

For more information, please visit the website: www.kutubna.ae

About International House

Established in 1998, International House Real Estate Project Management L.L.C (IHRPM) is a privately owned, medium-sized family business based in Dubai, UAE. It is recognized as a real estate innovator across Dubai and is one of the most trusted names in the real estate industry across the United Arab Emirates. IHRPM successfully builds local communities, attracts international investments, offers strategic management of property assets, raises capital and financing, and provides expertise and guidance to local and international investors in the UAE’s worldclass property market. IHRPM utilizes over two decades of market experience and provides bespoke, diversified investment opportunities to clients.

About Al Bait Al Duwaliy Real Estate 

Al Bait Al Duwaliy is an award-winning property developer in Dubai, UAE. Al Bait Al Duwaliy is a part of International House for Real Estate Project Management, established in 1998. The developer is known for Al Noon Residence, Heritage Building, and Alef Noon as well as commercial projects in Nad Al Hamar and 93-94 Avenues. With its seamless incorporation of art and creative designs, the company delivers world-class projects that add value and enhance the quality of life in the freehold areas in the United Arab Emirates. Al Bait Al Duwaliy aims to establish itself as an industry leader by developing innovative and unique luxury real estate projects designed and delivered on time by top professionals. 

For more information, please visit the website: https://albaitalduwaliy.com