From vibrant, immersive sculptures to a foundation championing the next generation of artists, Sheikh Rashid Al Khalifa is bringing Bahrain’s rich cultural heritage to a global audience
What happens when centuries-old architectural traditions meet bold, contemporary design? For Bahraini artist Sheikh Rashid Al Khalifa, the answer lies in creating art that invites people to look closer, step inside and experience heritage in an entirely new way.
His latest installation, Inhabited Crate, captured attention at Contemporary Istanbul, held from 23 to 27 September 2026. Set against the atmospheric backdrop of Tersane Istanbul’s historic Ottoman shipyards, the striking sculpture transformed a simple steel grid into an immersive, colourful space. Its vibrant shades of yellow, blue and green drew visitors into its open framework, offering a fresh perspective on the relationship between art, architecture and everyday life.
The focal point of his work is the mashrabiya, a traditional Middle Eastern architectural screen designed to balance light, privacy and ventilation. Rather than simply revisiting a familiar decorative motif, Sheikh Rashid reimagines its underlying principles through contemporary materials and geometric forms. As sunlight shifted across Istanbul’s waterfront, the installation’s colours and shadows changed throughout the day, making every encounter with the sculpture a little different.
It is this ability to connect past and present that defines his artistic vision. Deeply rooted in Bahraini culture, his work also speaks to a wider international audience, exploring how traditional design can continue to inspire the way we shape and experience our surroundings.
Beyond his own artistic practice, Sheikh Rashid is equally passionate about creating opportunities for others and preserving the region’s creative legacy. His commitment to this mission dates back to 1983, when he became a founding member and the first president of the Bahrain Arts Society.
Today, that same spirit continues through the RAK Art Foundation, which works to safeguard the region’s modernist art heritage while encouraging new creative conversations across borders. Through research, exhibitions and artist residencies, the foundation connects established artistic traditions with fresh perspectives. Its annual prize in Paris, for example, brings international artists to Bahrain to collaborate with local master artisans, creating opportunities for cultural exchange and shared discovery.
Looking ahead, Sheikh Rashid hopes to challenge the assumptions that can separate regional art from the wider international scene. By encouraging artists to exchange ideas, learn from local craftsmanship and develop their own distinctive voices, he is helping create a more connected and inclusive creative landscape.
For Sheikh Rashid, heritage is not something to be preserved behind glass. It is a living source of inspiration, capable of evolving with every generation. Through his art and the work of the RAK Art Foundation, he continues to demonstrate how Bahrain’s cultural identity can remain both deeply rooted and confidently part of the global contemporary art conversation.
For more information: https://www.rakartfoundation.com/
