At the Matti Sirvio Art Gallery in Jawharat Al Shati in Al Qurum, 62 artworks crafted by 45 artists around the theme Black is White, Black and White, Black or White are currently on display, inaugurated by Rasma Noor Mohammed al Zadjali of RASMA last Saturday.
The collection is a beautiful display of what Oman-based artists can do, providing them with a great challenge and allowing each artist to shine in their own way.
Of the dozens of artists showcasing their artworks, Emerson Sumaoang, or ‘Mhearts’ was getting several accolades, primarily because of his sustainable approach to art using materials found in nature, most especially at the beach, and secondly, because of his unique approach and techniques in creating his artwork.
“Each art piece I create is unique and different. Stones, plastics, metals, and bones were used for my art, and the tools and materials to fix them are sometimes difficult to find locally. It is sometimes necessary to order them from outside the country to complete the pieces. I still struggle when creating new art, but it is part of the creative process. It forces me to be more creative and teaches me to be more resourceful,” Mhearts shared in an e-mail interview.
For this exhibition, Mhearts chose fish bones for his art and while that may paint a gross picture in your head, the result of Mheart’s art is actually mesmerising.
In his personal collection, he used these fish bones to create the outlines and art of other sea animals like sea turtles or starfish.
For the exhibition, he has a giant canvas made of wood, and on it is a swirling array of fish bones that remind you of the night sky.
“For this art exhibition, I chose fish bones in my art. I’m staying near the beach, and every time I walk there, I always find dead puffer fish,” he explained.
He added, “The fish are trapped in fishermen’s nets, but since they are poisonous, they are often discarded and thrown on the beach. I came up with an idea on how to use them and give these bones new life in the form of art. I separated the fishbone from the fish flesh. It is a long process, but it’s really worth it. The fishbone has unique and beautiful shapes that perfectly fit my canvas,” he explained.
Talking about the exhibit, Mhearts shared that out of the 60+ artworks on display, both by local and ex-pat artists based in Oman, he decided on “Starlights” to be his entry.
“The canvas that was used is recycled plywood, which I found in the trash. I burned it to make it naturally dark, and against the whiteness of the fishbone, you create a great contrast,” he shared.
Beyond sustainability and care for nature, which are at the core of his art, Mhearts said that there is also meaning to his piece.
“As with the bright light where you see nothing, this fishbone represents nothingness and emptiness. It also signifies pain. We all experience struggles and pains in life, and that is part of what makes us human. And sometimes we find ourselves in a dark place, but if we just learn how to see those small lights in the dark, life changes, and you will realise there are more lights we can see, just like the starlight in the night,” he said.
Mhearts had been creating art ever since he was a child but only started showing his works in 2021, having gained the courage to be proud of his work.
“From 2021 on, I had the opportunity to showcase my pieces in some art exhibitions, but especially during beach clean-ups, where my core message is locked in,” he shared.
“My art is always inspired by found objects and trash on the beach. I believe recycling and reusing things are very significant in our time now. A lot of trash and unwanted things are thrown away on our beaches and in nature, and this is harmful to our environment. My art is not just a creative expression for me but also a way to inspire others to protect our nature, to keep it healthy and clean,” he explained.
Mhearts is just one of the inspiring stories in the “Black is White, Black and White, Black or White” exhibition. It is an abstract art exhibition and is open to any type of art and medium.
If you want to meet Mhearts and the other participating artists, including gallery owner and art curator Matti Sirvio, the exhibition will be on until May 31.
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