Rashid Al Khalifa brings aluminium abstraction “Spectrum XXIV” to BRAFA

Europe’s oldest and most established art fairs, the 71st edition of BRADA Art Fair, unveiled Spectrum XXIV (2025) by Rashid Al Khalifa with the Boon Gallery. Initiated by Triyad, the presentation showcases Al Khalifa’s first participation in BRAFA, presenting the contemporary abstraction from the Gulf within an European art fair, which has historically been seen through dialogue between artistic periods.

BRAFA, which has been previously recognised due to its emphasis on the continuity covering the artistic periods, shares the reference to the contemporary works which are displayed alongside the Old Masters, design and modern art.

In this art fair, Khalifa's Spectrum XXIV has showcased a wider conversation that centres around craftsmanship, formal coherence and structure. Al Khalifa’s artwork was showcased in a booth alongside renowned artists like Joan Miró, Richard Diebenkorn, Henry Moore and Antony Gormley.

In this impressive setting, his work brought forth a modern abstraction that blends painting, sculpture and architecture. It emphasises repetition, the nuances of surface and how forms interact with light.

Must read: Key industry individuals share their thoughts on the trending topics

Spectrum XXIV is a part of Al Khalifa’s ongoing Spectrum series, which delves into the principles of repetition found in architectural traditions. Within this art, patterns extend beyond their frames, hinting at a sense of balance and continuity.

In this collection, repetition is not just about being decorative but also serving as a structural logic that expresses harmony, all while being translated into a modern visual language shaped by geometry and our perception of space.

Crafted with aluminium enamel, Spectrum XXIV takes on a curved shape, bringing the surface to life through light, space and movement. As people move around, they can notice the colours and reflections shift, turning the artwork into a lively perceptual journey.

The inspiration in terms of choosing the colours and materials came from Bahrain’s landscape and architecture, creating a thoughtful conversation between local architectural styles and modern abstraction.

At the art fair BRAFA, Spectrum XXIV represented the blend of contemporary practices with that of the deep-rooted traditions, alongside syncing the modern sensibilities. The clarity and simplicity of the artist create a meaningful conversation with minimalist and post-minimalist art forms.

In addition to his artistic endeavours, Khalifa is deeply involved in the cultural scene of the Gulf and holds the position of Chairman for Bahrain’s National Council for Arts and is also the visionary behind the RAK Art Foundation. This organisation is dedicated towards promoting artistic creation, facilitating cross-cultural dialogue and encouraging collaboration on an international scale.

To know more about the global primary aluminium industry 2026 outlook, pre-book the report “Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026” at a special price.