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Muscat Daily
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Muscat Daily
Omani pavilion wins award at London Design Biennale
Muscat – Oman's pavilion – titled 'Memory Grid' – has won the Best Design Award at the opening of the London Design Biennale 2025 last week. The recognition marks a significant achievement for the sultanate in its debut participation at the global cultural platform. The pavilion has been designed by multidisciplinary artist Haitham al Busafi and curated by the Zawraq Collective. Commissioned by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, the project reflects the ministry's broader efforts to promote artistic and intellectual creativity among Omani youth. Haitham al Busafi 'Memory Grid' explores the ideas of memory, value and preservation in a fast-changing world. Visitors are invited to observe how perception shifts with perspective, with meaning transforming depending on how closely or distantly the work is viewed. Drawing inspiration from Oman's pottery traditions, the installation reimagines ancient clay vessels – once vital for carrying water and connecting communities – as symbols of cultural memory. The pavilion presents these traditional forms as metaphors for protecting what is valued, both in the past and present. In a modern context, the installation proposes that data is the new essential resource – requiring safeguarding much like water once did. Through the immersive experience, visitors are encouraged to reflect on how heritage, knowledge and identity are passed through generations. The project represents how traditional symbols can guide modern questions about preservation. The win at the biennale highlights Oman's increasing engagement with contemporary art and design on a global stage. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth said the pavilion represents the strategic direction to elevate creative output by young Omanis to international platforms.
Muscat Daily
01-06-2025
- General
- Muscat Daily
Oman to debut at London Design Biennale 2025
Muscat – Oman will participate for the first time in the prestigious London Design Biennale in 2025 with a national pavilion titled 'Memory Grid', a conceptual installation designed by multidisciplinary artist Haitham al Busafi. With over 30 pavilions representing nations, cities or institutions, the three-week exhibition starting June 5 will feature curated installations accompanied by a programme of events, thought-leadership talks, performances and workshops. Expressing his excitement in a post on LinkedIn, Busafi wrote, 'A moment of immense pride! I'm deeply honoured and privileged to share that I will be designing Oman's debut pavilion at the London Design Biennale 2025. This opportunity to represent my country on such a global platform is truly special.' Curated by Zawraq Collective and commissioned by Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, the pavilion represents the ideas of memory, value and preservation in a rapidly evolving world. It invites visitors to consider how perception changes with perspective, offering an experience where meaning shifts based on how closely – or distantly – one observes. Haitham al Busafi 'This pavilion is multilayered,' Busafi explained. 'We move through life constantly shifting our lens – sometimes catching the smallest details, sometimes stepping back to see the whole. Without realising it, we adjust our resolution of perception and thought, finding different meanings at different scales.' 'Memory Grid' draws inspiration from Oman's pottery tradition, reimagining ancient vessels as metaphors for how humanity protects what it values most. Historically, these vessels were lifelines – shaped from the earth, fired with care and used to carry water; these connected communities to land and to each other. Over time, they evolved from tools of survival into symbols of cultural legacy. The installation juxtaposes this traditional symbolism with modern needs, suggesting that today's essential resource – data – now demands similar protection. Through this immersive experience, visitors are invited to consider what these vessels can teach us about the preservation of knowledge, values and identity across generations. As visitors move through the space, the installation challenges them to reflect on shifting notions of value – what we keep, share or pass on. In doing so, it bridges the past and present, exploring how physical objects can hold conceptual weight and carry human stories forward.
Observer
25-03-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman debuts at London Design Biennale
MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman is set to make its first-ever appearance at the prestigious London Design Biennale 2025, a global platform celebrating creativity and innovation in design. Representing Oman at this renowned event is 'Memory Network', an artwork by Omani architect and designer Haitham al Busafi, which will be showcased on June 5. This participation is a significant step in the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth's broader efforts to highlight Oman's cultural heritage and artistic contributions on the international stage. It aligns with the Sultanate of Oman's Cultural Strategy 2021-2040, aimed at transforming Oman's cultural landscape into a hub of creativity and innovation. Sayyid Said bin Sultan al Busaidy, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for Culture, emphasised the importance of Oman's participation, stating that it provides a valuable opportunity to present the nation's rich cultural identity through contemporary design. He noted that the London Design Biennale serves as a platform for cultural dialogue, fostering collaborations between Omani and international designers while allowing Oman to engage with a global audience. To ensure a compelling and well-curated presence at the event, the Ministry has commissioned the Zawraq Collective to oversee Oman's pavilion. The collective selected Haitham al Busafi as the lead designer, entrusting him with the creative direction of the pavilion. At the heart of Oman's showcase is 'Memory Network', a piece inspired by the country's deep-rooted pottery heritage. The artwork explores the intellectual transition from tangible heritage to digital preservation, raising thought-provoking questions about the evolving notions of value and the legacy we leave behind for future generations. By incorporating traditional influences into a contemporary design narrative, 'Memory Network' captures the essence of Oman's past while reflecting on its future. Founded in 2016 by Sir John Sorrell and Ben Evans, the London Design Biennale is a globally recognised platform that brings together designers, cultural institutions and creative thinkers from around the world. The event fosters cross-cultural collaborations and highlights the role of design in shaping a sustainable and interconnected world. Since its inception, the Biennale has attracted top-tier international talent, with countries and institutions presenting groundbreaking design concepts that spark meaningful conversations about innovation and progress. Oman's participation in this event reaffirms its growing influence in the arts and design sector, demonstrating its commitment to using culture as a tool for international engagement and sustainable development. By joining the global dialogue on design, Oman continues to position itself as a key player in cultural diplomacy and artistic expression. - ONA
