By Zuwaina al Sulimani
A piece of art is not judged based on size. If it is, artist Anwar Sonya would definitely take home any prize for the biggest painting in Oman, having created some of the most ginormous paintings that adorn the walls of palaces of prominent people in the Sultanate and some of the most prestigious museums in the country and even abroad.
Sonya is just one of the prominent names taking part in this year's Muscat Art, an exhibition that sought to unite local and international artists with a fundamental goal of "elevating cultural consciousness and underscore the significance of safeguarding artistic creations, thereby ensuring their enduring legacy for generations to come."
Launched on October 30, the three-day exhibit was held under the patronage of His Excellency Sayyid Saud bin Hilal Al Busaidi, Governor of Muscat.
Other than Sonya, prominent figures in the art sector joining the exhibit include Rashid al Kindi, Yusef al Nhayy, Sana AL-Humaidi, Saleh al Alawi, Saud Al-Hanini, Ahmed Ali Al Maamari
Saleh al Shakeli, Hassan Dawood, Alia AL-Farsi and Matti Sirvio.
In total, there were 200 artists who took part in this year's exhibition providing not just variety but a comprehensiveness and diversity that gives an amazing insight into the growth of art in the country today.
Visiting the exhibition is like stepping into Wonderland where reality mixes with the surreal, where abstract fades into the simpleness of black and white and then eventually dances with the chaos of beautiful colors.
Sculptures can be found all over and one that takes attention include a giant silver hominid sporting what appears to be a crown. Some of the most remarkable sculptures also include those created by Ali Al Jabri whose art explores the relationship of art and nature and using some of the hardest medium to work with including marble.
Some of the emerging artists not only venture into sustainable territory using materials found in nature but also adding a unique strong voice into the evolving art scene of Oman.
"Beyond the realm of art fairs, the influence of Muscat Art extends into broader horizons. This is achieved through supplementary endeavours designed to support individuals within the artistic realm, bolstering a holistic and sustainable art ecosystem that encompasses all aspects of creativity," shared the organizers on their social accounts.
For those who missed the opening, there were several cultural activities that took place including performances that celebrated the unique traditions not just of Oman but artists who are participating in the celebration.
A commentary on the plight of the Palestinians
Supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, the exhibit was open daily from 1pm to 9pm giving visitors opportunity to delve inside the imaginative minds of the participating artists, diving into their particular viewpoints and visual storylines.
With artists from Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Iran, India, and Italy taking part, it also successfully connected artists, art lovers, buyers and even curators.
While Muscat Art has always been a platform for celebrating creativity, this year, it has taken on a more profound meaning. Artists are using their talent to draw attention to the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza using their paintings as a reminder to the world to stop the genocide of the Palestinians people.
Their art speaks not only of their artistic prowess but also of their empathy for humanity. They use their canvases to demand a stop to the ongoing genocide on Gaza, and calling for a stop to the killing of innocent children and women in Gaza.
In past editions, the Muscat Art Exhibition has successfully created a space where art lovers can engage with artists and learn about their creative processes. It also allows for the artists to feel supported and celebrated. This year, with the support of key partners such as Be’ah, Oman Post, and Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN), the event has grown triple when it comes to participants and as per the organizer has definitely broke attendance records compared to the previous editions.
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