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until 22.08. |#4703ARTatBerlin | Q Gallery shows from 28th June 2025 (Vernissage: 27.06) the solo exhibition „QUINTESSENCE“ by the artist Rashid Al Khalifa. The exhibition is curated by Yasmin Sharabi, Director of the RAK Foundation.
Rashid Al Khalifa, born in 1952 in Riffa (Bahrain), is an internationally recognised artist, art collector and patron of contemporary art and a member of the Royal House of Bahrain. He studied at Hastings College of Arts and Technology in Great Britain and began his artistic career with figurative painting, particularly landscapes, which were strongly characterised by impressionist influences.
Over the course of his career, his style has evolved from traditional painting techniques to abstract and conceptual forms of expression. Today, he is known for his innovative works with reflective materials, geometric structures and minimalist compositions that emphasise light, space and movement. His works operate at the interface of painting, sculpture and architecture and interact with their surroundings in a way that actively involves the viewer in the artistic process.
Rashid al Khalifa, Mobile Column VIII (Yellow), 2025, Enamel on Stainless Steel, 120 x 90 x 90 cm
Al Khalifa draws his inspiration from the surrounding landscape and architecture. Light, colours and the atmosphere of Bahrain flow directly into his works, which mediate between tradition and modernity, nature and the built environment. The Bahraini topography was already central to his early landscape paintings from the 1980s. Even with increasing urbanisation, the spirit of this landscape remains palpable in his work – be it in atmospheric abstractions or the minimalist aluminium creations of recent years. His latest works reflect both the past and the future and refer to tradition and heritage as well as a futuristic aesthetic.
Rashid al Khalifa, 49 Black and white circles, 2024, Enamel on aluminium, 45 x 45 cm
A particularly defining element of his work is his exploration of Islamic ornamentation and architectural structures. In his Parametric series, Al Khalifa takes up traditional design elements such as the mashrabiya – an artistically perforated wooden lattice that provides light and air regulation in Arabic architecture while at the same time preserving privacy. This balance between light and shadow, inside and outside, tradition and modernity is essential for his work, which combines symmetrical order with playful lightness.
In addition to his own artistic activities, Rashid Al Khalifa is intensively involved in the promotion of art. He founded the RAK Art Foundation, which is located in his parents’ house in Riffa. The foundation houses an extensive collection of international modern and contemporary art, including works by artists such as Frank Stella, Fernando Botero and Marc Quinn. The aim of the RAK Art Foundation is to support artists worldwide, promote cultural exchange and provide educational programmes in the field of visual arts.
Rashid al Khalifa, 64 circles in lime green, 2024, Screen print on handmade arches paper 400 gm, 76 x 56 cm, Ed. 6
ABOUT THE EXHIBITION:
The exhibition QUINTESSENCE presents a selection of Rashid Al Khalifa’s latest works in Berlin, which show his unique approach to materials, surfaces and spatial structures. The exhibition invites visitors to experience the complex interactions between light, reflection and space from a new perspective.
Rashid al Khalifa, Pale Blue Folds, 2024, Enamel on aluminium, 45 x 45 cm
His artistic approach combines traditional and modern elements and operates at the interface between art, architecture and design. Al Khalifa’s works often reflect the aesthetics of Arabic and Islamic culture, while at the same time speaking a universal, contemporary visual language. Through the use of polished aluminium surfaces and textured reliefs, works are created that change their appearance depending on the incidence of light and viewing angle, enabling dynamic interaction with the viewer.
Rashid al Khalifa – Oriel (Coral Red), 2025, Enamel on aluminium, 120 x 120 cm
The exhibition gives visitors to Berlin an insight into contemporary Arab art and, by stimulating cultural discourse, contributes to in-depth dialogue and understanding. It can also create the experience that, beyond different social models, there is a unity in perception and experience – and thus make it clear that all people are connected in their basic needs and sensory impressions – an expression of our common human feelings.
Opening: Friday, 27th June, 2025, 7 pm
Exhibition dates: Saturday, 28th June – Friday, 22nd August 2025
To the gallery
Image caption cover picture: Rashid al Khalifa, Waves V, 2023, Enamel on aluminium, 120 x 360 cm
Solo exhibition Rashid Al Khalifa – Q Gallery Berlin | Zeitgenössische Kunst in Berlin | Contemporary Art | Exhibitions Berlin Galleries | ART at Berlin
