A group of specially abled Omani youngsters who chose colours and palettes as their means of expression came forward for a unique exihibition at the Art and Soul gallery in the Waterfront.
As many as nine artists including one photographer from across the country are part of the 10th exhibition titled ‘My Life My Talent’, a platform for the “people of determination” artists, held under the auspices of Shaikh Al Zubair bin Muhammad al Zubair.
These 33 works of art invoke curiosity and creativity among the onlookers.
For Afrah Annabi, a young artist on wheelchair, it was her dream come true where she experienced the loud applause and words of appreciation for her works on display.
“It was more than a dream come true for an artist like me. Five of my works are on display and I’m getting rave reviews for them, thanks to the organisers and the people who supported me,” an emotional Afrah told the Observer.
Drawing is her passion, through which she inspired her peers to fall in love with this art form and her colours remained present and her paintings were artistic scenes that the eyes of the beholders adorned.
This week-long exhibition comes with the aim of highlighting the artistic talents of the members of the Hayatee Adatee Group.
Shaikh Al Zubair bin Muhammad al Zubair, patron of the ceremony, praised the works of art displayed on wall and the talents that the exhibition supported.
“I’m pretty sure that there are artists in this group who are highly talented and sky is the limit for their creativity,” Al Zubair said.
Laila bint Muhammad al Wahaibi, Chief organiser of the exhibition, said, “My Life group includes a number of talented people with disabilities, with the aim of introducing society to their artistic and creative skills,” she said.
A number of public and private entities support these specially abled artists.
SQU, PDO, The Omani American Business Center and the like have extended their support.
While the world is commemorating the a Day for the Disabled on January 3, an exhibition of this kind highlights the need to keep them closer to our hearts, according to the spectators.
“I am pleased to participate in this exhibition with 5 photographic works, through which I continue to present my experience in the field of photography and listen to visitors’ opinions and impressions about these works, which help me to benefit from, said Ahmed al Awfi, a photographer who is participating in the annual exhibition since its inception in 2014.
“I am happy to present a painting of my work, a gift to the sponsor of the ceremony, which is a great incentive to improve my work and continue to present my work to the community,” he said.
The Adatee Hayatee group was established in 2014 as one of the CSR initiatives of Omantel to celebrate the International Day of the Disabled.
This exhibition is an opportunity for the public and artists to visit the exhibition and experience the feelings behind the paintings displayed and to support the group.
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