On the morning of January 15, 2025, the tranquil waves of Barr Al Jissah lapped rhythmically against the shore, their melodies harmonising with the soft whispers of the breeze and the gentle applause of palm leaves dotting the pristine beach. Under a sun that began its ascent over the horizon, artist Mahnoush Abbasgholy, affectionately known as Mia, donned her most comfortable outfit, embodying both professionalism and creativity. A palpable buzz filled the air, with curious onlookers and eager media members gathering around the Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah lawn, a picturesque backdrop for an unprecedented artistic endeavour aimed at not only breaking a Guinness World Record but also supporting a charitable cause.
This event is open to the public for viewing, and no registration is needed. Visitors are encouraged to document Mia as she embarks on this momentous journey, making them important witnesses to her creative process.
In this serene setting, excitement mingled with anticipation as crowds watched Mia prepare to outline what would become a magnificent 40-metre-long painting, a visual spectacle celebrating the stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Oman. “This is the first time that I’m doing something of this scale. I will have to rely on my 32 years of experience in making art to make this happen,” Mia shared during an earlier press meeting. The dedicated artist had honed her skills over the years, with the last seven years spent falling in love with the Omani landscape—a passion she sought to translate onto canvas.
Dubbed “Sparkles of Oman,” this unique art event marks the fifth anniversary celebrations of Oman’s Renaissance Day, embodying both creative expression and community spirit. Mia’s ambitious endeavour will stretch over seven days, from sunrise to sunset, where she intends to paint for more than 15 hours a day.
The result will not only aim for the elusive world record but will also serve to highlight Oman’s breathtaking beauty and cultural depth. “It will be a vibrant journey through the Sultanate of Oman’s breathtaking scenery, using a medium of contemporary art,” she explained, detailing how she plans to weave gold and silver leaf into her masterpiece, adding layers of texture and vibrant colours.
As visitors gathered, the significance of the event was underscored by the royal patronage of notable figures including Sayyid Khalid bin Hamed al Busaidy, chairman of Sabco Group, who opened the gala at 10:30 a.m. alongside Shaikh Ahmed bin Suwaidan al Balushi. This high-profile backing not only elevated the event’s prestige but also highlighted its importance in the broader context of community and culture.
At the heart of this creative endeavour lies Mia’s commitment to philanthropy. The completed artwork will be auctioned, with proceeds benefiting the Children First Association, an NGO dedicated to supporting vulnerable youth in Oman. “I love that the proceeds from the art auction will benefit children. That is already commendable and gives me more motivation,” she expressed, reflecting on her newfound role as an artist for a cause.
A celebration of culture and beauty
Mia’s work is a colourful celebration of emotion, culture and the beauty of nature, often drawing inspiration from the breathtaking landscapes and rich heritage of Oman. With each brushstroke, Mia aims to invoke not just visual appeal but also a deep emotional resonance, inviting viewers to engage with her art on a personal level.
As she prepares for her monumental project, Mia anticipates the thrill of transforming her creative vision into reality using buckets of paint that will splash across the expansive canvas. The concept of using vast quantities of colour excites her; each bucket represents a different hue, a spectrum that will breathe life into her artistic tribute to Oman. “I want each colour to vibrate, to tell a story, and to create a dialogue with the viewer,” she explains, highlighting her belief that colour can evoke a sense of wonder and connection.
Mia envisions herself immersed in the process, layering the pigments to create texture and depth, making her abstract collage a living entity that evolves over the days of her painting marathon. She embraces the challenge of working meticulously from sunrise to sunset, knowing that the intensity and focus required will only amplify her passion. “With every brushstroke, I will pour my heart into this artwork, utilising the natural surroundings as both inspiration and a canvas for expression,” she enthuses.
The anticipation of mixing colours and experimenting with various techniques fuels her excitement as she prepares to embark on this creative journey. This event also marks a significant milestone for Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah, as it celebrates 20 years of exceptional hospitality in Oman. General Manager Philippe Kronberg emphasised the resort’s commitment to community engagement, stating, “We are thrilled to support this Guinness World Record attempt and to kick off our 20th-anniversary celebrations with an initiative that not only inspires but also gives back to the community.”
As Mia embarked on her marathon of creativity, the scene at Barr Al Jissah was alive with energy, a fusion of artistry and philanthropy that promised to leave an indelible mark on Oman’s cultural landscape. From the soothing sounds of the waves to the vibrant colours on canvas, “Sparkles of Oman” is poised to shine brightly in the world of art and beyond, embodying the spirit of a nation committed to cultural expression and community support.
Would Mia break the world record? We will need to track her progress, and it would be a genuine celebration if she succeeds. However, we won’t know for sure until January 21.
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