Largest ever painting of wings unveiled in Oman

Times News Service

MUSCAT: Crowne Plaza Muscat OCEC and artist Ibrahim Gailani unveiled a painting of wings on a 10ft wide canvas, making it the largest installation of wings in Oman. Standing in front of wings has become a global social media trend the hotel wanted to bring to Oman in a first-of-its-scale installation.

The hotel had worked on putting up the wings since it opened and had been in discussions with the artist for the right concept. “We knew we wanted to do wings as a statement piece simply because the property faces the reservoir wadi and is home to over 250 migrating birds, so that was the inspiration,” stated Christian Kronast, the General Manager of the hotel.

The Crowne Plaza Muscat OCEC along with the wings also engages in other art activities by playing host to the Gailani Art Retreat, a monthly getaway for creative souls to paint to music

For Gailani, the wings, titled “Freedom”, are first and foremost a tribute to Mexican artist Frida Kahlo who is Gailani’s Idol and has her famous words, “Legs what do I need you for, when I have wings to fly”, written on top. Then, it is a homage to all those of have the courage to fly to their highest potential.

“To me, these wings were all about breaking chains, and overcoming adversity, social pressures, bullying and challenges that life throws at you … I wanted these wings to signify a freedom to choose the life of one’s full potential - living life fearlessly as you soar towards your dream,” stated Gailani, who has these sentiments as graffiti around the wings, a style he has come to be known for. His style is often referred to by curators as “where pop & street collide” for the use of bold shimmering colours on a backdrop of graffiti letterings.