Latest news with #ArtHall
Korea Herald
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
KBS to host book concert featuring books written by immigrants
Participating writers from Morocco, Russia, China and the Philippines to introduce their works National broadcaster Korean Broadcasting System will host a cultural book concert this Friday, spotlighting children's picture books, written in Korean by immigrants and based on traditional folktales from their home countries. The event will feature a mix of storytelling, live reading sessions and performing arts centered around the folktales. Participating writers from Morocco, Russia, China and the Philippines will introduce their works, share elements of their heritage through their native-language storytelling and present traditional dances. KBS voice actors will narrate the picture books, and the narration will be accompanied by sand art and shadow play to create a multidimensional experience. The program will also include a medley of children's songs, performances by a children's choir and a dance troupe, and a performance by a KBS orchestra. The concert will take place at KBS Art Hall in Yeouido, Seoul, from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Friday. The event is also part of Family Month festivities, organized in celebration of Together Day -- a national observance on May 20, established in 2007 to encourage harmony between Korean citizens and foreign residents.
Observer
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Observer
‘Art Hall' - A vibrant celebration of creativity
Muscat: In a cultural landscape, the 'Art Hall', organised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth as part of the 29th Muscat International Book Fair, shines as a vibrant space brimming with creativity, bringing together fine arts, music, photography and theatre in one crucible. Visitors can celebrate the beauty of the image and the elegance of the word, exploring the colours, melodies and stories told by paintings and lenses. With the participation of 27 government and private entities, the 'Art Hall' houses more than 412 diverse artworks, including painting, sculpture, calligraphy and photography, in addition to 61 artistic activities ranging from exhibitions, dialogue sessions, workshops, and musical and theatrical performances. These activities target all segments of society, with the aim of spreading artistic culture and creating a platform for creative exchange among participating artists. Among the striking entries in the lobby is the '1000 Words' exhibition, curated by the Photography Department at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Muscat. It showcases more than 40 photographs by creative students, representing diverse styles such as portraiture, nature photography, conceptual art and advertising photography. Muhallab al Hinai, one of the students participating in the exhibition, says that each image carries a powerful story and visual message, reflecting feelings and experiences that cannot be expressed in words. He pointed out that the exhibition is based on the famous saying 'a picture is worth a thousand words', explaining that many of the images mimic reality but carry a symbolic dimension, especially those belonging to the 'fine art' style, some of which are inspired by personal experiences or human situations that have affected him. Muhallab added that what distinguishes the exhibition is its blend of authenticity with modern technology. He said that some artificial intelligence tools are used to enhance the images, such as adjusting the lighting or adding subtle elements like curtains or chandeliers to portraits, without compromising the essence of the image or altering its true content. He explained that during their studies, the students learned how to use artificial intelligence as a tool to enhance creativity, rather than relying solely on traditional editing programmes like Photoshop. He added, 'This gives us more time to focus on the content and the idea, rather than just the technology.' He touched on the diversity of the works, saying, 'We have photos that reflect the beauty of Oman's natural landscapes, with their diverse terrain, from mountains to coasts, and others that highlight heritage, daily life and cultural identity.' The department also showcased a collection of short documentaries produced by students as part of their academic projects. Muhallab commented, 'Some of our colleagues participated with films that won local awards, addressing topics related to cultural heritage, traditional crafts and community stories. These works were praised by visitors for their meaningful content and quality production.' Hamama al Kindi, Head of the Photography Department, affirmed that the launch of the '1000 Words' exhibition stems from the university's commitment to empowering students artistically and giving them a platform to present their work to a broad audience - encouraging them to keep creating and opening up career opportunities in the art market. The exhibition also features short films and documentaries highlighting Oman's cultural heritage and traditional crafts, earning admiration from visitors for their unique themes and polished execution. In another corner of the lounge, 'And the Legacy Remains' showcases artistic memorabilia of late Omani artists such as Ayoub Melng, Musa Omar and Mohammed Nizam, in a tribute to their artistic journeys and legacy.
Observer
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Observer
German writers share their perspectives on Oman
MUSCAT, APRIL 26 The 29th edition of the Muscat International Book Fair is alive with vibrant activities and an enthusiastic crowd. At the Art Hall in the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, visitors are treated to works by prominent Omani artists, alongside a stage hosting writers and authors whose works are featured at the fair. This year, the Embassy of Germany made its debut at the fair, showcasing a special talk titled 'Oman — Seen by German Women' featuring two authors and a documentary director. The event opened with the international preview of the documentary Arta, directed and produced by journalist Nadia Frenz. Following the screening, Frenz was joined by Natascha Plankermann, editor, journalist and author of 1001 Friendships; and Sabine Reining, author of Oman from Above, for a lively discussion. 'This is the first German participation at the book fair. We wanted to highlight friendships and projects between Oman and Germany,' said Natascha, who has been visiting Oman for a decade. 'My first visit ten years ago changed my life. I formed lasting friendships, including with Germany's first ambassador to Oman, who remains deeply connected to the country.' Nadia, who works with German-French television, shared that her two-part documentary focuses on Al Jabal Al Akhdhar and Dhofar, with the second part highlighting the beauty of the desert and the Luban harvest. The full documentary will premiere on May 8, 2025. 'Oman's people have been incredibly supportive,' she said, adding, 'I wanted to highlight women's roles because many in Europe misunderstand the position of women in the Arab world. Through my documentary, I showcase women as teachers, entrepreneurs and designers, emphasising that working mothers around the world face similar struggles.' Sabine, blogger and photographer behind MidnightOman, is attending the fair with two books celebrating Oman's landscapes. 'My coffee table book captures the diversity of Oman, while Oman from Above gives readers a bird's-eye view, complete with QR codes that lead to the exact locations,' she explained. When asked about her favorite place in Oman during April, she smiled and said, 'Of course, it's Al Jabal Al Akhdhar — especially during rose harvesting season. It's featured in my book.'
