39 paintings to adorn Muscat airport walls

Some 39 local paintings have been selected to line the walls of the new Muscat International Airport.

“The airport can be considered as a live museum, whereby everyone can view local artwork, for free, whether they are coming or going,” said Naila Al Maamari, whose painting titled “Decorate with my identity” was selected to be displayed at the new airport.

“Airports are usually the first interface where visitors learn about a country, and so it is great to be able to showcase Omani identity through art,” said Abdulkareem Al Maimani.

“This achievement is an important step for me and my artistic career and will certainly increase my efforts to improve my talent,” said Redhwan Al Hashmi.

Mariyam Al Zidijali, the head of the Omani Society of Fine Arts, said: “I thank the officials at the Muscat International Airport for giving an opportunity to the Omani Society of Fine Arts to participate in this project and for their keenness to express Omani identity in this building with paintings of Omani artists.”

The paintings vary among different artistic schools, such as expressionism, abstraction, structuralism, surrealism, sculpture, calligraphy and graphic design.

“The association presented a large number of artists’ files to the specialists of the Airport Management Company, in order to select the right artists to present contemporary artworks, provided the painting reflects Omani identity. Some 39 artists were selected,” said Al Zidjali.

Each artist had their own ideas and creativity when it came to what they wanted the painting to demonstrate.

For Al Maamari, her painting was completed with the Omani identity theme through the abstract school, using acrylic colours and different technical materials.

“I chose a traditional jewellery item in Oman since jewellery has an important role in the local industries and as a part of the Omani women’s dress,” Al Maamari said.

She added: “I chose the shape of the necklace because its circular shape is a reflection of eternity and continuity.” Al Maimani had a similar experience with this work. He said: “I was able to present this artwork using a symbolic dimension, in addition to a style of simplicity and a richness of colour, with elements of Omani culture and tradition.”

“In my work, I try to reflect the environment that I live in, focusing on the relationship between the Omani man, the camel, and the sand,” said Al Hashmi.

For many of the artists, this was a once in a lifetime opportunity.

“It is an honour for me to have my painting displayed in the new Muscat International Airport. What makes this accomplishment great is that the point was not materialistic, it was aimed at demonstrating the artistic movement of Oman; on the government’s part, this is an appreciation towards Omani artists,” Al Maamari said.

“This is a great accomplishment, as they wanted to display a blend of modern art with Omani identity; this signifies thoughtful thinking in the Sultanate,” she added.

“When I was selected, I felt a great deal of responsibility. Millions would see my work, and so it would be difficult to please them all,” said Al Hashmi.

Artists were given the materials on February 16 and had to submit their work by February 28.

Working within the deadline was challenging for some of the artists.

“The painting took me 13 days to finish. It reflects the Omani khanjar, which is symbol of Omani pride and courage. The painting was a challenge for me, especially as the Omani dagger has very fine engravings. And I added the Omani girl, which is the source of the smile and Omani beauty. We notice the extent of Omani tolerance from the smile of the girl wearing the original Omani dress,” Nada Al Ruweshdi said. For Al Maamari, it took 11 days to complete the painting. “It was a race against time because we had a deadline. During this time, I was able to challenge myself, and see whether it was possible to tap into my ideas and inspiration, while staying true to the abstract school.”

In the near future, there will be another group of artists, whose works will be displayed in other areas of the airport.