This month, OHLALA spoke to Nadine AlShaikh, Founder, curator and artist at Nadine Gallery – Art & Design Lounge, about art and its importance.
OHLALA – Before moving into art, you worked in the corporate sector. What do you carry from your previous experiences into your career today?
Nadine AlShaikh – It shaped the way I approach the art world with structure, strategy and long-term vision. It taught me discipline, negotiation and how to build a sustainable ecosystem. It gave me the foundation to treat art as both a cultural and economic force. These skills are often overlooked in creative industries. Today, I apply that mindset to ensure that artists are not only creatively fulfilled but also professionally supported. Running a gallery is not just about aesthetics; it’s about building a credible platform, managing relationships and creating real opportunities.
OHLALA – How did art enter your life? What made you start Nadine Gallery – Art & Design Lounge?
Nadine – I was born and raised in Bahrain and art was always part of my environment growing up. My father had his own studio, so I was constantly surrounded by that creative energy – it naturally became something I connected with from a very young age. At the same time, I was always interested in the business side of things. So over time, I found myself combining both –creativity and structure – which eventually shaped the way I approach the art world today.
That’s really what led me to create Nadine Gallery – Art & Design Lounge. It started from a very genuine intention: to build something that supports artists in a real way. I wanted to create a space where artists can grow, experiment and be seen, whether through exhibitions, workshops or simply being part of a community. And today, the gallery has evolved into a platform that not only showcases art but also helps artists develop and connect with a wider audience – a platform with purpose.
OHLALA – Can you tell us more about the work that is done at Nadine Gallery – Art & Design Lounge?
Nadine – Nadine Gallery – Art & Design Lounge operates as both a physical and strategic platform. We curate exhibitions, support artists in developing their professional practice and connect them with collectors and institutions locally and internationally. We also focus heavily on storytelling, how an artist presents their work, how it is positioned and how it communicates within a global context.
Beyond exhibitions, we support artist development through workshops, engaging collectors and fostering meaningful cultural dialogue. In essence, we bridge creativity with structure, and talent with opportunity.
“In moments of uncertainty or change, art becomes even more essential; it helps us process, reflect and reconnect with what is human.”
– Nadine AlShaikh
OHLALA – What is your main purpose with the gallery?
Nadine – The main purpose is to elevate artists and position them within a global art conversation while staying rooted in authenticity. I want Nadine Gallery to be a space where artists are taken seriously, not only creatively but professionally. At the same time, we aim to educate and engage collectors, helping them connect with art in a deeper and more informed way. Ultimately, it’s about building a sustainable ecosystem where artists, collectors and the cultural community grow together.
OHLALA – What do you take into consideration when curating an exhibition?
Nadine – Curating is about creating a narrative, not just assembling artworks. I look at the conceptual depth of the work, the coherence among the artists and the emotional journey of the viewer. I also consider the balance between emerging and established voices, as well as between visual impact and intellectual engagement.
Each exhibition should communicate something meaningful, whether subtle or direct. Most importantly, it has to feel authentic. If the work doesn’t carry sincerity or intention, it doesn’t resonate.
OHLALA – Art is an expression present in the history of humankind. For you, what does art represent and what is its importance to the world?
Nadine – Art is a form of understanding of ourselves, of others and of the world around us. It captures what cannot always be explained through language. Its importance lies in its ability to preserve emotion, question reality and create dialogue across cultures and time. In moments of uncertainty or change, art becomes even more essential; it helps us process, reflect and reconnect with what is human.
OHLALA – There is a big discussion about what art is and what it is not. What do you consider art?
Nadine – For me, art is not defined by medium or trend; it is defined by intention and impact. Art carries meaning, whether conceptual, emotional or intellectual. It should provoke thought, evoke feeling or shift perception in some way. Not everything created is necessarily art, but when a work communicates beyond its surface, when it creates a connection or a question, then it becomes art.
OHLALA – How do you see the art scene in Bahrain and in the region?
Nadine – The art scene in Bahrain and the wider GCC is evolving rapidly. There is a strong foundation of talent, combined with increasing institutional support and international attention. What is particularly exciting is the shift toward professionalism, with artists becoming more aware of their positioning and collectors more engaged and informed. At the same time, the region still holds a unique authenticity. There is a balance between heritage and contemporary expression that gives GCC art a distinct voice globally. I believe we are at a pivotal moment where the region is not just participating in the global art scene but actively shaping it.