The Italian Embassy in Manama, in collaboration with the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA), inaugurated the photography exhibition “Crossroads: A Visual Dialogue between Italy and Bahrain” at the Bahrain National Museum on 9 October. The exhibition is open to the public until 5 November, 2025.
In his opening speech, the Italian Ambassador to Manama, Andrea Catalano, thanked BACA for its collaboration in the creation of the exhibition, organized on the occasion of the 21st Contemporary Art Day, promoted by the Association of Italian Contemporary Art Museums (AMACI), with the support of the Directorate General for Contemporary Creativity of the Italian Ministry of Culture, and in collaboration with the Foreign Ministry’s Directorate General for Public and Cultural Diplomacy. The theme of the Day was education, seen as an exchange of experiences and knowledge, to which the exhibition is inspired.
At the heart of the exhibition is a display of works by four leading artists, two Italian and two Bahraini: Loredana Mantello, Valentina Costa, Hanan Al Khalifa, and Ghada Khunji.
The shots capture the photographers’ sensitivities, as well as scenes and elements of everyday life that unite the Italian and Bahraini cultures. Specifically, through their photographs, each artist traces a distinct yet intertwined path with that of the others, creating an eclectic journey through places, times, and meanings.
In his opening speech, the Ambassador of Italy to Manama, Andrea Catalano, said: “These incredible artists have been able to capture, through their photographs, the magical relationship that unites Italy and Bahrain, creating images that epitomize the artistic collaboration that exists between the countries.” He concluded: “This initiative highlights the strong ties between the Italian and Bahraini cultures and is the spirit that guides the cultural promotion activities of the Italian Embassy in Manama: creating opportunities for meetings, exchanges, and mutual understanding, constantly strengthening the deep friendship binding Italy and Bahrain.”
