artBahrain:  Today, curatorial activity is very diverse and the general public is often confused on what curatorship includes or implies. How you define yourself as a curator?

Yasmin Sharabi: Traditionally, the role of curator implied someone who would oversee a particular collection. Today I believe that the term curator is loosely used to define someone who selects and interprets art for a particular purpose.

I believe that a well-curated show is one which imparts a specific message yet where each work on display is unique to the artists participating.

Similar to the way an artist would be wholly selective in their choice of materials, composition and subject matter when creating an artwork, a curator should be aware of the relationship of one aspect of an exhibition to another and how these different facets come together to create a cohesive whole- ie. the theme presented, the artists selected (or the artworks) and the layout of the exhibition. I also think a curator should also be sensitive to their audience and aware of the context in which they are exhibiting.

AB:  Can you tell us a bit about your background and experience leading up to this point? What experiences helped shape your professional development?

YS: I completed my BA in Studio Art and Art History at Concordia University, Montreal, Canada and then went on to complete my MA at Sotheby’s Institute of Art, London in 2006 whereby I wrote my dissertation on Christie’s chances for success in Dubai.  Soon after, I began working at Cuadro Fine Art Gallery, Dubai which was a great experience but I was ready to move back to Bahrain-  Bahrain’s depth of history differs from elsewhere in the Gulf and I think the people here have so much to offer in terms of art and creativity. Because of this, Bahrain has the roots to enable the arts to develop organically.

AB:  What is the theme of your coming exhibition at the BFH? Is this the same group of young artist from the “Out of Place” exhibition last year?

YS: The exhibition is entitled ‘If Walls Could Talk’- quite an abstract title, but I felt that it would allow the artists to express ideas that are relevant to today’s world. There are a few new artists participating including Rana Jarbou, Mercedes Gonzalez de Garay and Leon D.

AB:  How many works will be displayed from each artist? and art forms?

YS: Each artist will exhibit 2- 3 works of varying styles and using various materials. The work will range from painting and drawing to installation work and photography. Rana will also exhibit a slide show of her photographs of graffiti taken during her travels throughout the Middle East.

AB:  How would you determine the success of this exhibition?

YS: I do not believe that success can be measured- my view on success may differ to someone else. Personally, I would like the artists to be happy, I would like people to recognize how art is so important at this time and we need creativity and discourse through art, more than ever. Finally, I want to see a positive response from the public. Art should be accessible to all and I want to see people interested and talking. We need to promote discourse through art in Bahrain and I want to give something back to the country I call home.

AB:  Do you think that this economy presents opportunity for emerging artists?

YS: Although the economy may affect buyer tendency, artistic production is not dependent on the strength of the economy- artists will continue to produce regardless. I think the current economy presents an obstacle for emerging artists here as people or establishments are less willing to invest in art as they think of it as a luxury rather than a necessity.  It is the mindset of people that is the main obstacle- we have to get rid of this attitude that art equals leisure or that it’s simply something you do if you have money. Art is a requirement and should be accessible to all. It aids in the development of a country.  We have to nurture it and promote it by developing spaces where artists can work together, learn and be inspired. When we are aware that you don’t need money to have art, that’s when artists will see the opportunities arise.

AB:  What curatorial initiative would you like to see undertaken? What is needed now?

YS: I would like to give various curators the opportunity to organize exhibitions within the gallery.  Doing so will promote discourse and will encourage others to participate.  This would also allow artists to develop work according to an idea that they may not previously have touched upon.

Echo. Pencil and graphite on card. 111 x 81 cm. 2012

AB:  You are also participating as an artist in this exhibition; how long have you been an artist? How did you get started?

YS: I don’t remember ever questioning my motives to study art and then go on to work in the arts. Throughout school and into university art was always encouraged by my parents. However, I think that for a long time following university I was unfocussed in terms of my work as I didn’t understand the necessity of it for a period of time- I felt a bit cynical and unsure of where I stood in terms of my beliefs and views on things. As I have gotten a bit older and due to life experiences, my values have changed I’ve begun to feel inspired again. I also love working on exhibitions like this where I can take part as an artist as it makes me feel more involved with the others that are participating.

AB: What medium or mediums do you work with? Do you work with any specific styles or subject matter?

YS: Recently, I have found that my most interesting work is the result of self-examination.  Everything I create is deeply personal and relates to past experiences or my identity-  being half American and half Palestinian but having lived in neither country sometimes leaves me feeling a bit unsettled however, interesting work arises out of my exploration of this. Recently, after becoming a certified yoga instructor- I have started to consider my own spirituality and place in the world at large. I believe this also manifests in my work.

AB: What has been the most interesting response you have received from an audience member after they’ve seen your works?

YS: Although perhaps this isn’t particularly ‘interesting’ I am most moved when people have told me that my work has made them feel ‘emotional’ or that it ‘moved’ them. I think that art is such a great tool to reach out to people or make them think differently about a topic.

AB:  Can you describe your typical working day?

YS: My typical working day as I have been planning this exhibition has revolved around trying to make sure everything is in order! It’s not easy managing 11 artists- even if they are friends!

AB:  Finally, as an artist, what role do you want your art to play? and as a curator, what role do you feel the art world has cast you in?

YS: First and foremost, art to me is a form of therapy. I think that when I am productive and when I have produced work that I am proud of, I am at my best.

Curating gives me the opportunity to compose a project that I believe has relevance to today’s world. I want to give people that I believe in the chance to express their views or feelings towards a particular topic. I think that in Bahrain we can often feel limited in terms of an outlet to be creative- this can be a bit frustrating. I just want to give people the opportunity to be expressive.

I don’t think there is anything to say that I can’t be both an artist and a curator. In fact, I think that having the ability to do both can be greatly beneficial, personally and professionally. ab