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Kutubna Cultural Center, Dubai’s newest independent bookstore and cultural centre, will launch “The Art behind the Stars,” an exhibit by Bahraini artist Jamal A Rahim, next month.

The exhibition, running from February 15 to March 16, aims to bridge the glamour of international stars from cinema and music and the depth of fine art portraiture.

The collection presents 22 artworks by Rahim and features portraits of legendary figures from Hollywood and the Arab world, including Marilyn Monroe, Marlon Brando, Umm Kulthum, Abdel Halim, and others.

The artworks offer a rare glimpse into the humanity behind the screen legends and cultural icons. Each portrait provides a window into our shared cultural memory, exploring how these iconic figures have shaped our collective identity and experience. This exhibition Rahim’s homage to the artists who resonate with global audiences and left their marks deeply in our lives, a statement from Kutubna Cultural Center said.

Rahim’s journey in the art world has allowed him the freedom to experiment and stretch the boundaries of conventional image-making. He spent years studying the works of portrait masters and honing techniques to bring a modern touch and a fresh perspective to traditional methods. This exhibition not only celebrates artistic expression but also fosters dialogue about the power of portraiture in bridging cultural divides, making it a significant contribution to contemporary art discourse.

He is well known for his bright colour palette and portraiture, especially his portraits of Umm Kulthum. Rahim has previously held exhibitions in Kuwait, Egypt, Morocco, Syria, Saudi Arabia, the UK, Norway, Holland, Japan, Slovenia, Spain, and France, to name a few.

Shatha Almutawa, founder and director of Kutubna Cultural Center, said: "The ‘Art behind the Stars’ marks our first exhibition in 2025 and the first solo exhibition by a Bahraini artist at the center. We are proud to be able to share Jamal A. Rahim’s works and celebrate his accomplishments, thanks to the valuable support from our exhibition partners, the International House Group and Al Bait Al Duwaliy Real Estate. We are planning a variety of cultural events at Kutubna and some new additions. This year, we will also host a philosophy lecture series, writing workshops, and events for parents with their young children, such as ‘Philosophy in the Playroom’ and ‘Poetry in the Playroom.’ Art workshops for people of all ages continue weekly at Kutubna, along with events for kids and teens.”