Inauguration of ‘the Face’, an Abstract Modern Sculpture That Celebrates Bahrain and Bank ABC

MENA’s leading international bank, Bank ABC, announced the creation and permanent installation of ‘The Face,’ a visual centrepiece of the façade of its newly renovated historic twin tower Head Quarter in Bahrain, by celebrated Nigerian- American contemporary artist Victor Ekpuk. The 5.4 meter tall sculpture is an abstract construct that is a tribute to Bahrain’s rich heritage, multi-cultural fabric and hospitable business climate, which empowered the Bank and the Kingdom’s other residents to grow and flourish over the years.

Bank ABC is undergoing an ambitious transformation as an institution; investing heavily in its digital infrastructure, developing new products and services and adopting a more agile and disruptive culture.

Commenting on the significance of the sculpture for the Bank, Dr. Khaled Kawan, Bank ABC’s Group Chief Executive Officer, said: “After reflecting on our 40-year journey as the Bahrain banking industry celebrates its 100 years this month, and to  commemorate the renovation of our HQ Building, we commissioned Victor to create this unique and majestic art piece that cleverly connects our heritage and future aspirations. ‘The Face’ will outlive business cycles and peoples’ tastes and remain an eternal tribute to Bahrain and its people.”

Embodying local Bahraini elements, African influences, futuristic digital touch, and a contemporary artistic style, ‘The Face’ is representative of Bank ABC’s commitment to equality and diversity as well as its firm belief in the strong potential of the country’s young talent, who will advance its agenda to create positive change in the MENA region through disruptive banking solutions that accelerate inclusion and enhance lifestyles.

Bank ABC hosted a reception at its Head Office on 11 December 2019, in celebration of the sculpture and its creator. The function was attended by members of the local art community, Bank ABC staff and media representatives.

“How do you capture the essence of a people whose history is long and culture layered in centuries of civilizations? You look to their beautiful faces hoping to catch the essence of their memory,” remarked Victor, who was present at the event.

Victor’s art is guided by the aesthetic philosophy nsibidi “traditional” graphics, where sign systems are used to convey ideas. He re-imagines graphic symbols from diverse cultures to form a personal style of mark making that results in an interplay of art and writing. His art is focused on portraying the human condition through universally relatable and culture specific themes including family, gender, politics, and identity.

Victor Ekpuk has works in collections of Smithsonian National museum of African Art, Smithsonian National museum of African American Culture & History, Brooks Museum, The World Bank, Newark Museum, Hood Museum, Krannert Art Museum, United States Art in Embassies Art Collection.

Facts about The Face:

The sculpture is 5.3 meter tall and 4.3 meter wide.

It is made of painted stainless steel

Bank ABC is a leading player in the MENA region’s banking industry with an international presence in 15 countries. It provides global innovative Wholesale Banking coverage and products that include Corporate and Financial Institutions coverage, Transaction Banking (Trade Finance and Cash Management), Project and Structured finance, Syndications, Treasury and Financial Markets products and Islamic Banking. It also provides retail banking services through its network of retail banks in Jordan, Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria and Brazil. The Bank is leading the Fintech revolution in the MENA region and hosts the Middle East and Africa Fintech Forum annually with its subsidiary Arab Financial Services.