Rashid Al Khalifa Explores the Art of Repetition in Islamic Design

Bahraini artist Rashid Al Khalifa’s latest exhibition, Continuum, is a fusion of tradition and modernity, showcasing his innovative take on the concept of repetition in Islamic art. The exhibition opens at the Credo Bonum Gallery in Sofia on September 4 and will run until October 24. Featuring his most recent works from the Spectrum, Waves, and Les Roses de Bagatelle series, Al Khalifa offers a contemporary perspective on the rules of repetition, blending Islamic art principles with the modern aesthetic of Arab architecture.

At the heart of Islamic art lies a concept fundamental to its spiritual and cultural significance: repetition. Through the use of repeating geometric patterns and motifs, Islamic art seeks to represent infinity, a notion that is both visually and spiritually powerful. These repeating forms transcend the boundaries of the canvas or the space in which they appear, suggesting the eternal and unending nature of the divine. In Continuum, Rashid Al Khalifa interprets these traditional patterns with a modern twist, creating works that resonate with contemporary audiences while paying homage to the past.

The Essence of Repetition in Islamic Art

The principle of repetition in Islamic art has its roots in religious and cultural beliefs. Geometric patterns, symmetrical designs, and the repetition of shapes are more than just decorative elements; they are a reflection of the infinite, an artistic expression of the divine. Islamic art avoids the depiction of living beings, focusing instead on the use of abstract, geometric shapes to symbolize the endlessness of creation.

For centuries, artisans and craftsmen have employed these patterns to create a sense of rhythm, balance, and harmony in architecture, textiles, and ceramics. The continuous repetition of shapes, often within the confines of a rigid geometric grid, gives Islamic art its signature aesthetic. These symmetrical patterns appear to extend beyond the frame or space, creating an illusion of infinite repetition that mirrors the infinite nature of the divine.

In Continuum, Al Khalifa explores this timeless tradition, offering his interpretation of how repetition can continue to evolve. His work challenges the viewer to see the familiar in a new way, as traditional Islamic patterns are reimagined through the lens of contemporary Arab architecture.

Blending Tradition with Modernity

Al Khalifa’s work is a testament to the versatility and longevity of repetition in Islamic art. Rather than simply reproducing the traditional motifs, he infuses them with elements of modernity, drawing inspiration from the architecture and urban landscapes of the Gulf. His art becomes a dialogue between the past and the present, between tradition and innovation.

One of the most striking features of Al Khalifa’s work is his use of materials. While traditional Islamic art often utilized ceramics, textiles, and stone, Al Khalifa experiments with modern materials like aluminum. This choice not only reflects his interest in the sleek, minimalist aesthetic of modern architecture but also provides a new medium through which to explore the geometric and mechanical properties of repetition.

The artist’s use of aluminum in particular allows for a smooth, reflective surface that interacts with light in unique ways, enhancing the illusion of depth and infinity that is so central to the concept of repetition in Islamic art. The metallic sheen of his works echoes the modern urban landscapes that have inspired him, yet the underlying patterns remain deeply rooted in tradition.

The Role of Geometry in Al Khalifa’s Art

Geometry plays a crucial role in both traditional Islamic art and Al Khalifa’s contemporary interpretations. Islamic geometric patterns are designed to reflect the order and harmony of the universe, often using complex mathematical principles to achieve a sense of balance and continuity. These patterns are based on simple shapes—such as circles, squares, and triangles—that are repeated and interconnected to form intricate, symmetrical designs.

Al Khalifa’s work takes this principle of geometric repetition and expands upon it, exploring how these shapes can be manipulated and reimagined within the context of modern design. His works often feature complex, layered patterns that seem to extend beyond the frame, inviting the viewer to contemplate the infinite possibilities of shape and form.

The interplay between geometry and light is another key aspect of Al Khalifa’s work. As light reflects off the smooth surfaces of his aluminum pieces, the geometric patterns appear to shift and change, creating a dynamic visual experience. This interaction between light and form adds a layer of meaning to the repetition, suggesting that even within the confines of a rigid geometric structure, there is room for variation and change.

Continuum: A Celebration of Art and Culture

In a recent statement, Rashid Al Khalifa expressed his excitement about presenting his work in Sofia, Bulgaria. “I am delighted to bring my work to Sofia and share my artistic journey with audiences in Bulgaria. Continuum is a celebration of tradition, culture, and the ever-evolving nature of art. Through these series, I aim to connect cultural heritage with a contemporary perspective, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in a symphony of tradition and modernity,” he said.

This celebration of tradition and modernity is at the heart of Continuum. Each piece in the exhibition serves as a bridge between the past and the present, drawing on centuries-old design principles while incorporating elements of contemporary architecture and design. The result is a body of work that is both timeless and forward-looking, offering a fresh perspective on the concept of repetition in Islamic art.

Al Khalifa’s Artistic Journey

Rashid Al Khalifa’s career has been marked by continual exploration and innovation. Born in Bahrain in 1952, Al Khalifa moved to the UK in 1972 to study at Hastings College of Arts and Technology. His early works were heavily influenced by Impressionism, and upon his return to Bahrain in 1978, he began creating paintings that depicted the landscapes of his homeland—the desert, the sea, and historic sites.

However, by 2010, Al Khalifa’s artistic style had undergone a dramatic transformation. He began experimenting with new materials and techniques, moving away from figurative painting and embracing abstraction and minimalism. His exploration of convex canvases and metallic surfaces marked a significant shift in his work, as he sought to push the boundaries of form and space.

A Patron of the Arts

In addition to his work as an artist, Rashid Al Khalifa is widely regarded as one of the leading patrons of the arts in Bahrain. He currently serves as the Chairman of the Bahrain National Arts Council and has played a key role in promoting the country’s artistic and cultural heritage. In 2020, Al Khalifa founded the RAK Art Foundation, an organization dedicated to fostering artistic exchange and supporting the development of emerging artists.

Through his foundation, Al Khalifa has worked to create opportunities for Bahraini artists to engage with the international art world, promoting cultural dialogue and collaboration. His efforts have helped to ensure that the rich artistic traditions of Bahrain continue to evolve and flourish in the modern era.

Rashid Al Khalifa’s exhibition Continuum offers a unique perspective on the rules of repetition in Islamic art, blending traditional design principles with contemporary aesthetics. By exploring the geometric patterns and symmetrical forms that have defined Islamic art for centuries, Al Khalifa’s work invites viewers to contemplate the infinite possibilities of repetition, while also offering a fresh take on how these patterns can be reinterpreted in the context of modern design.

As both an artist and a patron, Al Khalifa’s contributions to the world of art are significant. His work stands as a testament to the enduring relevance of Islamic art, while also pushing the boundaries of what is possible within the medium. In Continuum, the ancient and the modern come together in a celebration of art, culture, and creativity.