If you have the opportunity to visit the Omani Society of Arts in Ghala, do not miss the classic cameras exhibition. The expo takes you on a journey about the development of the camera industry and the art of photography through the ages.
The exhibition takes you back many years, where you will learn about the unique and rare collection of classic cameras with their various technologies since 1933.
“The exhibition includes a variety of old cameras and historical photos, allowing visitors to see the designs and performance of cameras in an era where history, art, and technology combine to tell you a distinctive story through the lenses of the beautiful time,” says Abdu Rahman Al Adawi, head of the association’s member affairs department and supervisor of the exhibition.
The ‘Photography Heritage’ exhibition focuses on displaying the possessions of the late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, where many old and rare cameras as well as several rare photographs of the Sultan are displayed. These collectibles and photographs are considered unique treasures that express His Majesty’s interest in history, culture, arts, and photography.
In the exhibition halls, Abdullah introduces you to many classic cameras including two cameras that belong to photographer Taghlib Al Barwani who has immortalised the images of the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said, in the seventies era.
Taghlib’s captures tell many stories that express the Sultan’s close relationship with his loving and devoted people.
The exhibition also displays three cameras that belong to the late Sultan, which are distinguished by high technology in that period. “The late Sultan was a lover of photography. He owned many cameras from different categories and techniques and practiced photography in some of his spare time. Photographer Taghlib Al Barwani witnessed many moments in which the late Sultan directed photographers to use specific photography equipment, and this guidance demonstrated his understanding of this art,” Al Adawi noted.
As Abdullah pointed out, the Royal Decree established the Omani Society of Photography on July 9, 2012. It was previously known as the Photography Club and its affiliation transferred to the Diwan of Royal Court, out of His Majesty’s keenness to make photography a significant art.
In the section on Taghlib Al Barwani, the visitor learns more about the first Omani photographer specialised in covering royal tours, national events, and official visits. “Al Barwani was born in 1942 AD and holds a diploma in photography and cinematography from the United Kingdom. He also went through many practical experiences in Gulf countries such as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait,” Al Adawi noted.
Visitors will have a lot of fun in the photography studio, where they will have the opportunity to experience the process of photography using old cameras to explore the challenges and techniques used in the past.
Sayyed Saeed Al Busaidy, Under-Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, led the opening ceremony of the exhibition. Al Busaidy expressed his great interest in the exhibition as it carries a long artistic and photographic legacy and encourages everybody to visit the exhibition. The exhibition is on until the end of Ramadhan.
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