Information Minister inaugurates "Letters of Hope" art exhibition

Manama, Oct. 27 (BNA): Information Affairs Minister Isa bin Abdulrahman Al Hammadi has inaugurated the "Letters of Hope" exhibition by Bahraini artist Dayana Al Shaikh at Moda Mall. The exhibition that sheds light on a personal experience in fighting cancer with faith d through a collection of Arabic Calligraphy paintings featured more than 40 unique artworks with a powerful message. The proceeds from the sale of paintings will go to the Bahrain-based Child's Wish society to support more than 500 children suffering from chronic ailments and other people with special needs. The minister commended the artist's skills in blending art, philanthropic work and humanitarian deeds in her paintings. The exhibition is a message addressed to all private and public entities as well as to individuals to contribute to charitable causes and support philanthropic and humanitarian work encouraged by our religion, he said. "Acts of charity are not confined to places of worship, and they also cover the whole gamut of humanitarian deeds rewardable by Almighty Allah. Acts of charity should not be confined on supporting places of worships and other important fields, but should also extend to other humanitarian aspects because they help people look forward to wider horizons and greater hopes," the minister said. "The health aspect is crucially significant and people with cancer deserve full support. We are proud to have a caring society in Bahrain and acts of charity cover a wide range of fields. But we should not fall into self-complacency, and we should continue to support humanitarian acts and we should involve the largest number of people and institutions," he said. The minister added he was pleased to attend the opening ceremony of the exhibition. "I am also content with the great turnout, which indicates a high level of awareness in our society. We hope more people will be able to visit the exhibition," he added. Al Hammadi said he was impressed with the exhibition. "Dayana Al Shaikh has succeeded in blending art with the message and in linking her work with determination, fortitude and hope. She has added a spiritual dimension and used very expressive words," he said. Dayana said that she was pleased with the tremendous support by all those who visited the exhibition, particularly the information minister, the diplomats, the media and other artists. Turkish Ambassador Hatun Demirer and US Ambassador William V. Roebuck were among the diplomats who attended and voiced support to the exhibition. Dayana said she was overwhelmed by the high level of care and compassion. "I have witnessed something truly special about human dedication and compassion and I pray that people will always come together to support noble causes," she said. The exhibition will run until October 31.