Omani artists feted at opening of visual inspirations exhibit

MUSCAT: Veteran Omani artists were celebrated at the opening of a new art exhibit on Monday evening, which was entitled, “Omani Visual Inspirations.”

The exhibit at the Bait Al Zubair Foundation features more than 40 paintings of locally renowned artists, such as Anwar Sonya, Hussain Obaid, Mohammed Al Sayegh, Mohammed Fadil, Moosa Omar, and Idris Al Hooti.

The art pioneers have explored contemporary and abstract art themes, which were fed by personal experiences.

Different techniques, from Arabic letter writing to heritage elements and Omani architecture featured on the canvas, and even on cloth.

Founder

Sonya, who is considered the founder of the contemporary art movement in Oman, explored careful geometric design elements and intertwined them with layers of personal images, particularly featuring figures of the Omani woman. Al Hooti also explored Omani architecture, layered with Omani figures, in order to evoke a sense of beauty in community snapshots.

Sonya spoke about progress in how art has developed in Oman over the years, especially with the involvement of young artists. “Experimentation and friction between young and older artists has created a forward momentum for emerging artists. They benefit from more educational learning curves, such as learning about art theories, and art movements. However, they also learn to respect the art in front of them and give it all of their creative contribution.”

Obaid, who describes every painting of his as “a window to the painting that follows,” hopes to engage audiences with his abstract, minimalist themes, and inspire different ideas and visions through audience involvement.