During an enchanting tour through the halls of Oman's rich cultural heritage, we were taken by innovative art murals at the Old Fort Promenade in Sur.
Khalfan Al Hashemi, a cultural heritage researcher specialising in tangible heritage, has masterfully transformed this promenade into a massive work of art. He has painted over 400 murals over the course of a year, each telling stories of Oman and its long history.
These murals brilliantly captures the details of Omani life throughout the ages, from traditional handicrafts to popular proverbs and sayings.
Al Hashemi shares his passion which has spanned more than three decades. He says: "These paintings carry a rich national heritage, with the proverbs that were said in these pieces, and they are old handicraft products with their names."
These murals are a unique work of art, not only locally, but also internationally. The 175-square-metre promenade also includes sections dedicated to palm weaving, pottery, and silverwork, as well as murals of tools inspired by the Omani environment. In these murals, images, and words intertwine to give meaning depth, and significance.
Al Hashemi further adds: "What is striking about this exhibition is that all the paintings are owned by the artist and have been transformed by his skill into works of art that preserve them from damage and other harm."
The story of these murals began when Al Hashemi was 15 years old when he grew up with his grandfather, where his passion for documenting stories and events from different periods began. He says: "I used to hear them coupled with proverbs or verses of folk poetry, which made me wander into this world."
Through these works, Al Hashemi seeks to convey a message of ‘highlighting the talent that the Omani people have for visitors and tourists, as well as the relevant authorities, and that there are citizens in the society who can document the Omani national heritage."
He emphasises the high artistic value of these murals, both locally and internationally, "as they link tangible heritage and plastic arts, and are documented in a way that is in line with modern art." Al Hashemi calls on the relevant authorities to pay attention to and support these works, "as they need official attention to highlight and promote them."
The murals of the Old Fort Promenade are not just works of art, but a journey through time, a story of civilisation, and a message of love from a creative artist, immortalising Oman's heritage for future generations.
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