Muscat: 'Bridging Nations' initiative reached the crucial part after three days of discussions, planning and work as the 17 established artists and 17 children and youths with disabilities completed their paired projects on UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
The jury members now will go through the paintings and the winners will be announced at a ceremony to be held at the French Embassy today (Wednesday) afternoon.
"The experience has been mind blowing," said Madeleine ImKey, the founder of the 'Bridging Nations' and delegate of French Academy Society for Arts, Science and Lettres.
“The experience has been beyond more than I could have ever imagined. The students have been blending with the artists in such an authentic, unique and profound way that it has been a beautiful experience,” she said.
The initiative marks a historic moment for the French Academy for Arts, Science and Lettres, established more that a century ago, as it ventures beyond the borders of France for the very first time.
The 34 artists worked on ideas and learnt new techniques through workshops conducted at Music Palace, Al Mouj, while bringing into form their interpretations of UN goals.
'Bridging Nations', supported by Oxy Oman, highlighted co-creativity and inclusivity. “We are immensely proud to support the 'Bridging Nations' initiative as a main sponsor, embodying our commitment to promoting art, culture and heritage in Oman. The collaboration and mentorship by artists for children with special needs has been truly inspiring. Oxy Oman is honoured to play a role in bringing visibility to a unique and impactful initiative, and we are excited to continue supporting programmes that promote creativity and inclusion,” said Steven Lauver, President and General Manager at Oxy Oman.
Ibtisam and Christie Malachias worked on the theme of equality. “We were working on reducing inequality, so we called our painting, ‘Scales of Equality.’ I enjoyed thoroughly working with the kids,” said Ibtisam, who is a renowned ceramic artist.
Sara Aulaqi, who teamed with Shreya Rajeev Nair, said, "It was lovely and I wish to have given more time to the kids. They enjoyed expressing themselves during the workshop. We could see a glimpse of their souls. These three days have been magic and we began with an empty canvas.”
Ghazaleh Beirami, artist and art researcher from Iran, who paired with Maryam al Yazidi, said she was impressed with Maryam’s clear idea of what she wanted to express. “She loves purple and she wanted purple flowers. She learnt about recycling as she used paper and collected chocolate wraps from everyone. She soon came up with her favourite dress she wore when she was six years old and she took the butterflies from it and here they are on our canvas,” Ghazaleh said. Maryam al Yazidi said the name of the painting is ‘A story of magic world - part of a song'.
“I have been collaborating with students with special needs. It is important to teach them how to use the materials and colours especially how to mix the colours and apply it on the canvas. It has been an excellent experience because they have also been learning from the neighbourhood as there have been so many ideas buzzing around in these rooms,” explained artist Sami al Siyabi, an established artist in Oman.
While the workshop was an opener for Elizabeth Davis, who worked with Abdullah al Ghafri on clean energy, it was the way to show the importance of a good heart for Shaima al Saidi who jointly worked with Ahmed al Busaidi.
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