Our Story
Bawa is an art gallery that was founded in 2020 as a response to the lack of a stable art foundation in the Gulf. Our digital platform offers a unique and accessible experience to art enthusiasts both locally and internationally, as we aim to become a hub for all things art and design in the region.
We promote, curate and sell artworks by a leading roster of artists based in the Gulf, each of whom are making strides in their communities. We believe that our role as a gallery is not only to showcase the works of talented artists but also to provide a platform that helps them grow and reach a wider audience. We strive to provide a space where audiences and enthusiasts can engage with and access art and design without the typical barriers of a traditional gallery system. We believe that art should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or social status.
Bawa values collaboration, honesty, and innovation, which are the driving forces of our art ecosystem.
For our art ecosystem to flourish, we must collaborate.
Collaborative projects allow artists, designers and institutions to combine their unique skills and perspectives to achieve a shared goal in new and innovative ways.
When collaborating, we are exposed to different techniques and ways of thinking that influence and expand on our own practice. We can incorporate what we learn from our collaborators into an individual output that is more multifaceted and complex.
The relationship between an artist and their gallery, for one, is a deeply collaborative partnership. Together, the two work closely to cultivate and convey the artist's creative vision. This symbiotic collaboration allows the artist to focus on developing and refining their craft.
Creative institutions must also work together to provide a platform for artists and craft experiences that leave a lasting impact on audiences. By forging new connections, collaborative partnerships strengthen and unite creative communities.
For our art ecosystem to flourish, we must be honest.
It is up to artists, curators and galleries to welcome critique from anyone regardless of their background. Constructive criticism can help identify areas for improvement, refine techniques and explore new ideas.
Constructive criticism is difficult to both give and receive. However, it can can help both ourselves and the person we give feedback to grow, both personally and professionally. By practicing constructive criticism, you build an atmosphere of openness and trust.
Honesty also works the other way around. It is necessary for artists, collectors, and dealers to be transparent about the origin, authenticity, and condition of artworks. This ensures the integrity of the art market and promotes trust among all stakeholders. In order to encourage the growth of a younger generation of art enthusiasts, we must be transparent, consistent and fair with the treatment of all buyers.
For our art ecosystem to flourish, we must innovate.
By consistently embracing innovation, our art market can continue to evolve and remain relevant in a rapidly changing world.
There is no innovation without experimentation. For both artists and galleries, recognizing an act as an experiment releases it from the demands of perfection, as the concept of failure is a natural part of experimentation. The outcome of experimentation is an expanded awareness of our capabilities and an opportunity for growth.
Creative institutions should provide platforms that encourage artists to experiment, prioritizing innovation as a catalyst for success. Younger generations may have different interests and preferences than traditional art collectors, and innovation can help to bridge that gap by offering new and exciting ways to engage with art. By developing new tools and platforms, we can make art more accessible to a wider range of people and ensure that the art market is more transparent and fair.
Without innovation, art would stagnate, and the creative spirit would be wasted on our own comfort.