A New Kind of Muralism

Riza Castillo — Thu, 21 May 2026 10:25:14 +0000

In a region where high finance and sporting spectacles dominate the narrative, artist Cagla Akpinar is pushing colour into the cracks. Her work, whether massive, joyfully chaotic murals or quietly provocative mixed-media portraits, is deliberate, symbolic, and rooted in themes that genuinely challenge. She is building something bigger than herself, creating visual language in a place where art is still finding its public voice.

You may have seen the work of Cagla Akpinar during Formula 1 season at the Bahrain International Circuit or across downtown Manama near the Rotana Hotel. But her murals are far more than decorative public art. Each piece layers symbolism, surreal colour palettes, and emotional subtext into works that challenge how public space is experienced.

Originally from Ankara and now based in Bahrain, Akpinar studied at Bilkent University, developing a multidisciplinary practice spanning painting, sculpture, ceramics, and video. Her work explores identity, emotional disconnection, societal expectations, and cultural pressure through neo-surrealist imagery and recurring symbols like roses, representing resilience and feminine strength.

Recent commissions include a Formula 1-inspired painting series for the 2024 Bahrain Grand Prix, a vibrant Downtown Rotana mural blending desert and tropical imagery, and a custom portrait gifted to rapper Offset during his Bahrain concert. Even in commercial projects, her visual language remains unmistakably personal.

Alongside her studio practice, Akpinar teaches at Bahrain Art Academy and through her independent platform, Artology, encouraging experimentation, emotional honesty, and self-expression among young artists.

At a time when Bahrain’s creative scene is rapidly evolving, Akpinar represents a new generation of artists shaping the Kingdom’s contemporary cultural identity through public art, education, and fearless visual storytelling.

IG↗ @wickedrose.art

🌐 caglaakpinar.com

Middle East Art Scene – PowerUp City Magazine

A New Kind of Muralism