Bahraini artist Salman Alnajem is renowned for his unconventional use of heavy industrial materials as canvases, creating vibrant works that delve into ancient civilizations, religion, and mythology. Having exhibited across Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the UK, France, and Italy, and holding a master’s degree in fine art from London’s Royal College of Art, Alnajem continues to captivate the global art scene with his exploration of the past and its relevance to the future.
In his latest series, “Cosmic Perspectives,” Alnajem presents a striking collection of small to mid-scale artworks that burst with color. These pieces, painted on steel, blend religious references with ancient symbols in a search for the wisdom of advanced civilizations.
“I aim to find remnants and clues of ancient-advanced-civilizations that seemingly were capable of building the most magnificent monolithic monuments to learn from the wisdom of the past, to bring it into the present, to create a better future,” Alnajem explained.
A Journey Through Ancient Knowledge
Alnajem’s work delves into the encrypted knowledge hidden within symbols of ancient cultures. His fascination lies in uncovering the mysteries of historical monolithic sites such as the Pyramids and Stonehenge and understanding the architectural, astronomical, and astrological prowess of the ancients.
“How did the ancients have such a comprehensive understanding of architecture, astronomy, and astrology? I keep finding connections and similarities between disparate ancient cultures that are hundreds of years and kilometers apart. Almost as if they are telling the same story, in different languages,” Alnajem said.
His process begins with thorough research, compiling images that he transforms into digital sketches resembling collages. These sketches then inform his final work, guiding the placement of symbols in a way that mirrors the abstract painting process.
Abstract Symbolism: Alnajem’s Unique Style
Alnajem has coined his own style, “abstract symbolism,” where he disentangles complex social, mythological, and spiritual themes, assembling them into harmonious compositions. His use of simple symbols from popular culture, contemporary life, and antiquity serves to create intricate paintings that resonate on multiple levels.
“I do so by creating complex paintings using simple-common symbols from popular culture, contemporary life, and antiquity,” Alnajem noted.
For him, art is more than aesthetics—it’s about generating energy and evoking an emotional response from the viewer.
Art as Energy
“My art is not something the viewer should ‘get.’ The artwork’s role is to ‘get’ the viewer … when we look at a piece of art, we agree to open our minds to receive it,” Alnajem shared. “Art makes us more sensitive, when an artist is able to create small details that draw us in, to lean into the painting, that’s us being a little more sensitive. Art, in its truest form, is an expression of the soul.”
Through his exploration of ancient wisdom and its relevance today, Alnajem’s work not only transcends time but also invites viewers to see the world through a broader, more connected perspective.