At the recent 38th World Flower Council (WFC) Summit in Seoul, Madhvi Ramesh Khimji brought a piece of Oman to the global stage with her floral artistry, inspired by Omani landscapes and heritage.
Representing Oman, Madhvi infused her designs with motifs from traditional Omani textiles, jewellery and the revered frankincense tree, a powerful cultural symbol. Her theme, ‘Essence of Oman', paid homage to the nation’s mountains, deserts and oases, drawing admiration from floral artists and attendees worldwide.
As Honorary President of the World Association for Floral Artists (WAFA) Oman, Madhvi sees floral art as a way to showcase her country’s identity.
At the Seoul summit, held at The-K Hotel’s Convention Centre under the theme ‘Let’s Enjoy with Flowers', Madhvi felt honoured to represent Oman on a global stage. “Representing Oman at the WFC was inspiring,” she shared. “My goal was to showcase Oman’s warmth, hospitality and rich history through floral artistry, bringing a little piece of my homeland to life.”
Madhvi’s arrangements reflected her deep connection to Oman’s natural beauty. “My designs were inspired by Oman’s stunning landscapes and the depth of our traditions,” she explained. “Each piece evoked a sense of place and home, using earthy tones to symbolise the desert sands and cool blues reminiscent of our coastline.” Her selection of patterns from Omani textiles and jewellery added an authentic cultural touch, while the frankincense tree symbolised Oman’s ancient heritage, grounding the exhibit in history.
Her work struck a delicate balance between modernity and tradition, mirroring Oman’s unique cultural identity.
The upward-reaching design of her floral installations symbolised Oman’s aspirations for growth, while the natural materials and earthy colours paid homage to Oman’s timeless beauty. The theme of ‘Oman - Timeless Beauty’ resonated throughout her exhibit, where every detail — from geometric lines to the movement of branches — echoed Oman’s tranquil beaches and vibrant landscapes.
The response to Madhvi’s work was overwhelmingly positive. Attendees admired the intricate details, often remarking that her designs transported them to Oman. “The warmth of their reception made me immensely proud,” she recalled.
Madhvi was touched by the kindness of her colleagues and friends, which reinforced the deep connections within the global floral community.
One of her main challenges was sourcing native Omani materials abroad, requiring her to adapt creatively. “Staying true to Omani traditions while appealing to an international audience was crucial,” she noted. “I experimented with local materials to recreate an Omani feel, blending authenticity with adaptability, which enriched my creative process.”
Connecting with fellow florists was another highlight for Madhvi. She exchanged ideas with notable Asian florists, including Alex Choi from South Korea, Sylvia Yim from Hong Kong and Cindy Chao from Macau.
“Each conversation deepened my appreciation for the universal language of floral art,” she said. “We come from diverse backgrounds, but we all share a passion for storytelling through flowers.”
Madhvi left the summit inspired to explore new projects that bring Omani culture to a broader audience. “I envision themed arrangements highlighting Oman’s architecture, crafts and native plants,” she said.
“Collaborating with international florists would foster cultural exchange and learning. I’m also exploring sustainable materials to honour Oman’s natural resources and promote eco-friendly practices.”
Reflecting on her experience, Madhvi expressed gratitude for the opportunity to share Oman’s beauty and heritage. “This journey has energised me to find new ways to bring the essence of Oman to the world through floral art,” she shared, “celebrating my culture while embracing the diversity of the global floral community.”
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