The Kingdom - Rivers and Tributaries

Compile The Kingdom – Rivers & Tributaries
The Flowing River – The Wahab Hassan Al Abbas Gallery

Overview
The Kingdom: Rivers & Tributaries is a captivating art exhibition under The Flowing River series by Wahab Hassan Al Abbas. It continues the narrative introduced in the artist's first solo exhibition, The Ancient Flowing River, held at the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in 2020. This latest collection delves deeper into Brunei's rich historical, cultural, and natural heritage through the symbolic lens of its lifeblood—the Brunei River and its tributaries.

Theme and Inspiration
This exhibition explores the evolution of Brunei as an ancient maritime kingdom transitioning into a modern nation. Through over 100 paintings of varying sizes, the exhibition portrays significant historical events, cultural milestones, and modern advancements, all connected by the ever-flowing river. The river serves as a metaphor for continuity, resilience, and progress, flowing through Brunei's vibrant past into its dynamic present.

Key Highlights

Historical Narratives:

The Base: Kota Batu I & II – Depicting Kota Batu as a strategic maritime hub and cultural center.
Islamic Expansion – Highlighting the reigns of Sultans Sharif Ali and Sultan Bolkiah.
Alliance and Kinship – Illustrating the Brunei-Johor alliance during the 19th-century political crisis.
The Yellow Umbrellas at Brunei River – Celebrating the enduring Brunei-Malaysia relationship.
Cultural Continuity:
The exhibition reflects how Brunei's ancient traditions and values continue to shape its modern identity. From riverine settlements to bustling urban landscapes, each painting bridges the gap between past and present.

Modern Transformation:
The river's journey culminates in scenes of Brunei's technological advancement. Iconic structures such as the Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien Bridge and the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Bridge symbolize the nation's progress while remaining rooted in its rich heritage.

Artistic Vision
Through masterful brushstrokes and vivid storytelling, Wahab Hassan Al Abbas invites visitors to embark on a visual journey along the flowing river. Each artwork acts as a tributary, contributing to a larger narrative of resilience, unity, and transformation. The river not only connects the past with the present but also inspires hope for the future.

Conclusion
The Kingdom: Rivers & Tributaries is more than an art exhibition—it's a celebration of Brunei’s enduring spirit. Visitors are invited to reflect on the nation's historical journey and its continuous flow toward progress. As the river flows, so does the story of Brunei, ever vibrant, ever evolving.