Joint show at Stal unveils evolving face of contemporary Omani art

Muscat Daily

21-07-2025

Muscat – A group exhibition at Stal Gallery and Studio is offering a reflective look at cultural memory, personal identity and evolving artistic expression in Oman. Titled Narratives of Colour – Contemporary Vision , the show running till August 31 brings together works of seven Omani artists.
Among the participating artists is Sayyida Afra bint Talal al Said, whose series Shadows of Oman uses textiles and natural motifs to explore the emotional weight of memory and tradition. Palm frond shadows over fabric are a recurring element, bridging past and present through quiet, textured scenes.
'This exhibition marks an important milestone in my journey,' said Sayyida Afra. 'It's my first participation in Stal Gallery, and it strengthens my commitment to experimentation using fabric, texture and layered memory.' For her, the use of light and shadow creates a dialogue between reality and imagination, capturing the essence of Oman's landscapes and emotional depth.
Veteran artist Anwar Sonia contributes paintings that revisit traditional customs with renewed energy. His works evoke scenes rooted in Omani rituals and daily life, reinterpreted with bold colours and emotional immediacy. 'Each artist here reflects their own vision,' Sonia noted. 'Colour, for us, becomes a personal language – sometimes introspective, sometimes deeply connected to place and memory.'
Hassan Meer's series includes works such as Father and Son and Omani Women Gather , depicting intimate scenes of familial bonds and cultural continuity. 'This exhibition gathers a range of voices – established and emerging – that reflect how colour and memory shape identity,' Meer said. 'It's a conversation about who we are and how we express ourselves in a rapidly changing world.' (L-R) Anwar Sonia, Sayyida Afra bint Talal al Said and Hassan Meer
Idris al Hooti focuses on the neighbourhood of Muttrah, its quiet alleys and fading buildings forming a nostalgic portrait of Muscat. His paintings capture everyday scenes slowly receding from public memory, yet vividly alive in collective experience.
Hussain Obaid offers abstract interpretations of Omani symbols – desert motifs, maritime elements and social patterns – reimagined through a modern lens. 'His work creates a visual timeline linking the past and present in a subtle, layered way,' said a gallery visitor.
The exhibition also honours the late Moosa Omar, whose series Departed Hearts features circular, textured canvases in dialogue with Oman's natural terrain. His inclusion serves as a tribute by fellow artists, whose works echo his contemplative spirit.
Among the younger voices, Suha Salem presents Dispersion , a Cubist-inspired collection investigating the fragmentation of modern life. Her geometric compositions confront the pressures and paradoxes of daily existence, offering visual metaphors for identity in flux.
'Art is more than technique – it's a translation of inner experience,' said Sayyida Afra. 'Through these paintings, we share universal emotions rooted in Omani culture – nostalgia, wonder, reflection and resilience.'
In gathering diverse artistic perspectives, Narratives of Colour not only examines tradition and memory, but also charts a path forward for contemporary Omani art. The exhibition positions itself as a space for open questions – about time, identity and the stories that shape a nation's evolving visual language.