This month, OHLALA spoke to Nadine AlShaikh, Founder, curator and artist at Nadine Gallery – Art & Design Lounge, about art and its importance.
OHLALA – Before moving into art, you worked in the corporate sector. What do you carry from your previous experiences into your career today?
Nadine AlShaikh – It shaped the way I approach the art world with structure, strategy and long-term vision. It taught me discipline, negotiation and how to build a sustainable ecosystem. It gave me the foundation to treat art as both a cultural and economic force. These skills are often overlooked in creative industries.
Today, I apply that mindset to ensure that artists are not only creatively fulfilled but also professionally supported. Running a gallery is not just about aesthetics; it’s about building a credible platform, managing relationships and creating real opportunities.
OHLALA – How did art enter your life? What made you start Nadine Gallery – Art & Design Lounge?
Nadine – I was born and raised in Bahrain and art was always part of my environment growing up. My father had his own studio, so I was constantly surrounded by that creative energy – it naturally became something I connected with from a very young age. At the same time, I was always interested in the business side of things. So over time, I found myself combining both –creativity and structure – which eventually shaped the way I approach the art world today.
That’s really what led me to create Nadine Gallery – Art & Design Lounge. It started from a very genuine intention: to build something that supports artists in a real way. I wanted to create a space where artists can grow, experiment and be seen, whether through exhibitions, workshops or simply being part of a community. And today
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