The master of portraits: Jamal Abdul Rahim

“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 provide 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 leave their marks 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. His exhibition, running in Dubai, not only celebrates artistic expression but also fosters dialogue about the power of portraiturein 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.

What’s your earliest memory of creating art?

My memory goes back to my school days, as art was a main subject. But I can also remember whenI returned to Bahrain after spending a few years in India and my early decision in 1984 to self-study and start a career in art.

If you could collaborate with any artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?

It would be Picasso. He represents a pivotalstage in the history of art. We can easily define theart movement before and after Picasso. Most of the artists in the 20th century were affected by him in one way or another as if he were the fuse that ignited it.

What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever used as a medium/tool/platform in your artwork?

I consider myself always in an ‘experimental project stage’, trying to use anything around me. I’ve used eggshells and straws to paint floor tiles, sand for printmaking, etc. Printmaking, in particular, is a renewable art that changes media, materials, and tools daily.

How do you come up with the titles for your pieces?

Art is a spiritual and psychological state, the area through which I breathe. Sometimes, I don’t give titles to my artworks; other times, I name them how I feel or think while working. My art is like a newborn baby; you may change the name you decide once it is accomplished.

What’s the most unusual source of inspiration you’ve ever had?

The events that take place around us are the origin of the ideas. I am inspired by the Sufi dance (Tannoura) and the memory of the old black-and- white movies, old singers, etc. Our experience and imagination greatly enrich our inspiration.

If you could only use three colors/instruments/ software for the rest of your life, which would you choose?

Art creation tools include colors, brushes, press machines, and stones. The colors are black, red, and blue ultramarine (Royal blue).

What piece of art do you take the most pride in and why?

My handmade art books. I have over 40 handmade books; amongst them is Tareeq Al-Hajj

(Pilgrimage Path) because it has a special memory with my friend, the late Bahraini writer and novelist Fareed Ramadan. It was collaborative work, butfate did not give him long to finish it. It contains 82 handmade prints with Fareed’s profound script about life and death.

Do you have any quirky rituals or habits when you’re in your creative zone?

No, nothing in particular. I need silence with the sound of the radio in the background.

If your art had a soundtrack, what would be the top three songs on it?

Any song for Om Kolthoum, Fairouz, or jazz music.

What’s your favorite art-related joke or pun?

I don’t have any.

How do you deal with a creative block?

This is a nice question. I recharge my battery. I read books and travel to places where I can see museums; I try to mingle with life to restore my activity and passion and brainstorm my thoughts.

What’s the most memorable reaction someone has had to your work?

I have nothing in mind, but I remember that people were fascinated by my sizeable handmade art prints measuring up to 6 meters x 3 meters. As you may know, it is difficult to print this size, especially in our area.

Kutubna Cultural Center, an independent bookstore and cultural center in Dubai, recently launched “The Art Behind the Stars,” 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 exhibition opened on February 15, 2025, and runs until March 16, 2025.

If you could turn any book into a piece of art, which one would it be?

I have done it many times in my handmade art books. Although I have worked on Al Mutanabbi’s poems many times, I still feel that his poems are worth more. I would love to work on “Thus Spoke Zarathustra.”

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE aspiring to replace ARTISTS?

The name explains it all. Artworks are called originals, full of emotions and symbols. On the contrary, I think “artificial” intelligence is soulless, and art is a process of sensation, spirituality, and technology. AI art will be more beautiful and mastered without a spirit distinguishing one artist from another.

What would you be doing if you weren’t an artist?

I would have been a fisherman; I am so attached to the sea.

What’s the strangest place you’ve ever found inspiration for a piece?

My mind doesn’t stop working; while sleeping, I see ideas flying here and there, so I sometimes wake up very early and go directly to my studio to work.

Can you describe your art in three words?

My art is my passion’s experimental project.

What’s your favorite part about the process of creating art?

The first smile of satisfaction after accomplishing an artwork and being ready to put my signature on it.

If you could have your artwork displayed anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Any place where my artwork can be respected and displayed correctly.

What’s one thing people would be surprised to learn about you as an artist?

I was passionate about art but didn’t think to be an artist when I was young. It all started as a challenge. The more I got involved, the more I wanted to know more. I taught myself through books of art, drawing, and visits to different museums abroad. I had supervision from artists in Bahrain when I was young, and they opened the way I went through all my life. Art is the air I breathe, and that may be why I always go for new techniques in my fields - painting, handmade print, and sculpture. It’s my fate and my lifetime journey.