Ali Hussain Merza (b. 1987, Manama, Bahrain) is a visual artist and scenographer whose practice moves fluidly between drawing, installation, and theatrical space. Working with canvas, paper, and found objects, he explores the relationship between viewer, space, and narrative—often dissolving the boundaries between fine art and performance.

Educated at the Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts in Kuwait, where he specialized in theatre design, Merza’s work is deeply informed by stage thinking. His installations extend beyond the traditional confines of theater, replacing the actor with the spectator, who becomes an active participant within the work itself. In this intersection between scenography and visual art, Merza constructs immersive environments that invite reflection, interaction, and dialogue.

His practice is driven by a belief in art as a form of human connection—capable of holding both harmony and tension, agreement and disagreement. Through the use of open space and spatial intervention, he engages with social and conceptual themes, presenting them in ways that challenge conventional modes of viewing and experiencing art.

Merza has exhibited extensively in Bahrain and internationally, including participation in the Bahrain Annual Fine Arts Exhibition (2013–2020), Sikka Art Fair (Dubai), Art Jeddah, the Assilah Cultural Season (Morocco), and exhibitions across Europe, North Africa, and the United States. He has also presented solo exhibitions such as Wanderers (2018) and Uni…Multi (2018) in Bahrain.

In addition to his artistic practice, he has curated several exhibitions at the Bahrain Art Center, including Abstract Rhythm (2015), Parallelism (2016), Nashaz (2017), and Syncopation (2018), contributing actively to the local art scene.

Among his recognitions, Merza was awarded the Dana Prize at the 44th Bahrain Annual Fine Arts Exhibition in 2018, one of the Kingdom’s most prestigious art awards.

He lives and works in Manama, Bahrain.