"Mirrors of Existence: Navigating Self and Society' opens at Stal Gallery
Published: 03:10 PM,Oct 22,2024 | EDITED : 12:10 PM,Oct 24,2024
The Stal Gallery and Studio has launched its latest exhibition, “Young Emerging 2024,” featuring the thought-provoking collection titled 'Mirrors of Existence: Navigating Self and Society.' This showcase brings together a group of women artists, each offering their distinct perspectives on themes of personal significance.
Among the featured artists are Hajer Al Harrassi, Noora Obaid Al Hamdilulah, Maryam Al Alawi, Eman Al Darryl, Rehab Al-Ghazi, and Fatma Al Bulushi. They are joined by guest artists Bashair Al Balushi, Kawthar Al Harthi, Huria Al Harrasi, and Khadija Al Maamari.
Omani visual artist Eman Al Dariyah seeks to provoke contemplation through her installation 'Summer Harvest,' which incorporates a sculpture with dry date fruits. She draws parallels between life’s experiences and the natural maturation of the fruit, asserting, “Every experience we encounter weaves into the tapestry of our lives, teaching and moulding us.” She further elaborates that her personal journey through pain, joy, and loss has cultivated essential seeds of maturity within her.
Bashair Al Balushi, a multifaceted artist and interior designer, expresses her fascination with Omani folklore and modern architecture. A graduate of the Scientific College of Design in Muscat, she delves into the cultural significance of traditional amulets. Once used as protective charms, these amulets now serve as poignant reminders of the values imparted by mothers and grandmothers. “These necklaces are no longer utilized,” she notes, “but the lessons and strengths they symbolize continue to resonate in our lives.”
Hajer Al Harrassi, who holds a Master’s degree in Fine Arts from Sultan Qaboos University, conveys her artistic vision through sculpture and installation. Her piece titled “The Cemetery of Oblivion” features sculpted heads with seedlings sprouting beneath them, embodying the concept of growth amid the desire to forget. “When we look at this cemetery, we see new plants growing, symbolizing growth and hope,” she explains.
Kawthar Al Harthi, an Omani artist specializing in collage and mixed media, reflects on the interconnectedness of memory and place in her project, “Memory of a Palm Tree.” This installation re-explores the aesthetics of the palm tree and evokes shared cultural memories. “These branches symbolize the beginnings of formation, much like the early memories of our lives,” she describes.
Meanwhile, Shahad Asaad Al Hamdi, known as Shahad The Artist, defies traditional artistic boundaries, embracing multiple mediums to express her evolving identity. Her work employs vibrant colours and dynamic light to explore the dualities of human nature. “This artwork delves into the complexities of the psyche,” she states, drawing inspiration from Carl Jung’s theories on dreams and the unconscious.
Collectively, these artists invite viewers to embark on an introspective journey through their work, sparking conversations on identity, memory, and the intricate tapestry of human experience. The exhibition promises to engage and inspire audiences, highlighting the diverse narratives that shape contemporary Omani art.
As visitors enter the Stal Gallery, they are greeted by an atmosphere ripe with creativity and introspection. The walls are adorned with vibrant pieces that showcase the multifaceted experiences of the artists, each one drawing the audience deeper into their individual narratives.
Upon gazing at Eman Al Dariyah's 'Summer Harvest,' attendees are encouraged to ponder the passage of time and the significance of their own lived experiences. The installation serves as a tactile reminder of the nurturing power of patience and reflection mirrored in the process of natural growth. Visitors find themselves sharing personal stories, spurred on by the art’s capacity to resonate on a deeply personal level.
Bashair Al Balushi's amulet-themed works spark conversations about Omani culture and heritage, prompting many to reminisce about their childhoods and the traditions passed down through generations. Her artistic reinterpretation of what once held protective significance becomes a bridge connecting past and present, illuminating the evolving roles of cultural symbols in contemporary society.
In front of Hajer Al Harrassi’s 'The Cemetery of Oblivion,' onlookers find themselves contemplating the duality of memory and oblivion, realizing that the desire to forget is often accompanied by the potential for rebirth and growth. The heads sprouting seedlings prompt discussions on resilience and the natural cycle of life, encouraging visitors to examine the memories that shape their own identities.
Kawthar Al Harthi’s installation captivates the audience as they explore the intricate relationship between memory and the landscape of their childhood. Her evocation of shared historical symbols inspires intimate exchanges among community members, as they reminisce about their connections to the palm tree—a staple of Omani life.
Shahad Asaad Al Hamdi’s luminous sculptures, infused with colourful lights, enthral viewers as they decipher the interplay of light and shadow. Drawing on Jungian concepts, her work invites a dialogue about the complexities of human emotions and the hidden aspects of identity. As attendees engage with her installations, they discover a shared language through colour, connecting through the emotions that art elicits.
Throughout the exhibition, feedback and interactions flow freely, creating a dynamic environment where stories merge and new meanings emerge. Attendees leave the gallery with an enriched understanding of both their own lives and the intricate tapestry of experiences depicted through the artists’ work.
By the end of the exhibition, a community is forged around the shared narratives and reflections inspired by the art. The event not only showcases emerging talent but also ignites conversations about identity, resilience, and the intertwined nature of personal histories. In the heart of Muscat, the Stal Gallery and Studio becomes a sanctuary of creativity where women artists navigate themselves and society, ultimately inviting the public to join them on this journey of exploration and expression. The impact of the exhibition resonates long after visitors leave, imbuing the ongoing dialogue about art, culture, and personal experience with new depth and understanding.
Among the featured artists are Hajer Al Harrassi, Noora Obaid Al Hamdilulah, Maryam Al Alawi, Eman Al Darryl, Rehab Al-Ghazi, and Fatma Al Bulushi. They are joined by guest artists Bashair Al Balushi, Kawthar Al Harthi, Huria Al Harrasi, and Khadija Al Maamari.
Omani visual artist Eman Al Dariyah seeks to provoke contemplation through her installation 'Summer Harvest,' which incorporates a sculpture with dry date fruits. She draws parallels between life’s experiences and the natural maturation of the fruit, asserting, “Every experience we encounter weaves into the tapestry of our lives, teaching and moulding us.” She further elaborates that her personal journey through pain, joy, and loss has cultivated essential seeds of maturity within her.
Bashair Al Balushi, a multifaceted artist and interior designer, expresses her fascination with Omani folklore and modern architecture. A graduate of the Scientific College of Design in Muscat, she delves into the cultural significance of traditional amulets. Once used as protective charms, these amulets now serve as poignant reminders of the values imparted by mothers and grandmothers. “These necklaces are no longer utilized,” she notes, “but the lessons and strengths they symbolize continue to resonate in our lives.”
Hajer Al Harrassi, who holds a Master’s degree in Fine Arts from Sultan Qaboos University, conveys her artistic vision through sculpture and installation. Her piece titled “The Cemetery of Oblivion” features sculpted heads with seedlings sprouting beneath them, embodying the concept of growth amid the desire to forget. “When we look at this cemetery, we see new plants growing, symbolizing growth and hope,” she explains.
Kawthar Al Harthi, an Omani artist specializing in collage and mixed media, reflects on the interconnectedness of memory and place in her project, “Memory of a Palm Tree.” This installation re-explores the aesthetics of the palm tree and evokes shared cultural memories. “These branches symbolize the beginnings of formation, much like the early memories of our lives,” she describes.
Meanwhile, Shahad Asaad Al Hamdi, known as Shahad The Artist, defies traditional artistic boundaries, embracing multiple mediums to express her evolving identity. Her work employs vibrant colours and dynamic light to explore the dualities of human nature. “This artwork delves into the complexities of the psyche,” she states, drawing inspiration from Carl Jung’s theories on dreams and the unconscious.
Collectively, these artists invite viewers to embark on an introspective journey through their work, sparking conversations on identity, memory, and the intricate tapestry of human experience. The exhibition promises to engage and inspire audiences, highlighting the diverse narratives that shape contemporary Omani art.
As visitors enter the Stal Gallery, they are greeted by an atmosphere ripe with creativity and introspection. The walls are adorned with vibrant pieces that showcase the multifaceted experiences of the artists, each one drawing the audience deeper into their individual narratives.
Upon gazing at Eman Al Dariyah's 'Summer Harvest,' attendees are encouraged to ponder the passage of time and the significance of their own lived experiences. The installation serves as a tactile reminder of the nurturing power of patience and reflection mirrored in the process of natural growth. Visitors find themselves sharing personal stories, spurred on by the art’s capacity to resonate on a deeply personal level.
Bashair Al Balushi's amulet-themed works spark conversations about Omani culture and heritage, prompting many to reminisce about their childhoods and the traditions passed down through generations. Her artistic reinterpretation of what once held protective significance becomes a bridge connecting past and present, illuminating the evolving roles of cultural symbols in contemporary society.
In front of Hajer Al Harrassi’s 'The Cemetery of Oblivion,' onlookers find themselves contemplating the duality of memory and oblivion, realizing that the desire to forget is often accompanied by the potential for rebirth and growth. The heads sprouting seedlings prompt discussions on resilience and the natural cycle of life, encouraging visitors to examine the memories that shape their own identities.
Kawthar Al Harthi’s installation captivates the audience as they explore the intricate relationship between memory and the landscape of their childhood. Her evocation of shared historical symbols inspires intimate exchanges among community members, as they reminisce about their connections to the palm tree—a staple of Omani life.
Shahad Asaad Al Hamdi’s luminous sculptures, infused with colourful lights, enthral viewers as they decipher the interplay of light and shadow. Drawing on Jungian concepts, her work invites a dialogue about the complexities of human emotions and the hidden aspects of identity. As attendees engage with her installations, they discover a shared language through colour, connecting through the emotions that art elicits.
Throughout the exhibition, feedback and interactions flow freely, creating a dynamic environment where stories merge and new meanings emerge. Attendees leave the gallery with an enriched understanding of both their own lives and the intricate tapestry of experiences depicted through the artists’ work.
By the end of the exhibition, a community is forged around the shared narratives and reflections inspired by the art. The event not only showcases emerging talent but also ignites conversations about identity, resilience, and the intertwined nature of personal histories. In the heart of Muscat, the Stal Gallery and Studio becomes a sanctuary of creativity where women artists navigate themselves and society, ultimately inviting the public to join them on this journey of exploration and expression. The impact of the exhibition resonates long after visitors leave, imbuing the ongoing dialogue about art, culture, and personal experience with new depth and understanding.