celebrating creativity, uniting cultures since 2014.

Connections brought together two renowned artists from distinct cultural and geographic backgrounds: Unni Askeland (Norway) and Marwa Al Khalifa (Bahrain). First introduced during the Women in Art for Peace exhibition at the International Peace Institute in Bahrain, the two artists reunited here to extend their artistic dialogue in a joint presentation.

Unni Askeland, often described as the “wild child” of the Norwegian art scene, is both a media personality and a provocateur. Her work has consistently challenged artistic convention, drawing controversy while reshaping perceptions of contemporary painting.

Marwa Al Khalifa, a central figure in Bahrain’s contemporary art movement, presented works imbued with a meditative, spiritual aura. Her practice invited audiences into spaces of reflection and personal discovery, where art functioned as both symbol and experience.

The exhibition highlighted the tension and harmony between two artistic voices—one irreverent, outward-facing, and provocative, the other introspective, contemplative, and spiritual. Their works, when placed in dialogue, demonstrated the ability of art to transcend differences of geography, culture, and language, revealing shared concerns with identity, expression, and human connection.

In this way, Connections embodied the spirit of art diplomacy, an initiative developed by Europe’s Art to promote cultural exchange and dialogue across borders. By bringing together Scandinavian and Middle Eastern perspectives, the exhibition underscored art’s unique role in bridging cultural, political, and social divides, opening channels of empathy and understanding in today’s world.