Latest news with #StalGallery
Observer
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Observer
French Weeks highlights photographer's tribute to a timeless land
As visitors step through the threshold of the Stal Gallery in Muscat, they are greeted by a vivid tapestry of images that beckon them to unravel the story of Oman through the lens of French-Syrian photographer Ammar Abd Rabbo. The air thrums with anticipation, a palpable connection forming between the observer and the world captured within each frame. Abd Rabbo's photographs transcend mere visuals; they are portals that transport onlookers into the heart of Omani life – where the stones speak of ancient histories, the faces reflect the dignity of everyday existence, and the landscapes hum with a silent poetry. It is an invitation to connect, to reflect, and to experience a cultural dialogue rich with emotion and insight. French Weeks highlights photographer's tribute to a timeless land Organised in collaboration with the French Embassy in Oman, this exhibition is a key highlight of the "French Weeks" programme, a vibrant celebration of Franco-Omani relations through art, dialogue, and exchange. This marks the first time Ammar Abd Rabbo shares his personal archive of Oman with the public, bringing forth a collection titled 'Oman In My Eyes.' The exhibition features 37 exquisite images, drawn from nearly three decades of his journey which began with his initial visit to the Sultanate in 1996. The photographs encapsulate evocative portraits, traditional ceremonies, snapshots of everyday life, street photography, and rare moments from national sporting events of the past. They portray not only the physical evolution of Oman but also the profound connection and affection Abd Rabbo has developed for the country. 'Oman has never left me,' he expresses. "Since my first journey in 1996, almost 30 years ago, this country has etched into me its lines of stone and light, its silent and dignified faces, its still poetry within movement." For Abd Rabbo, photography transcends mere documentation; it is 'a kind of poetry and music' – a unique form of visual storytelling that seeks to elicit contemplation and emotional resonance. French Weeks highlights photographer's tribute to a timeless land What distinguishes this exhibition is the humanistic and lyrical perspective he employs in portraying his subjects. Abd Rabbo's art avoids the snares of spectacle and formality, opting instead to honour the quiet dignity woven into the fabric of daily life, reflecting the timeless essence of a country in transition. His photographs resonate with both personal and universal themes, encouraging viewers to pause and ponder the concepts of identity, change, and memory. Born in Damascus in 1966, Ammar Abd Rabbo's early life was spent in Libya and Lebanon before he moved to France in 1978, following the outbreak of the Lebanese Civil War. A student of political science at the Institut d'Études Politiques de Paris, he ventured into photojournalism with renowned agencies such as Sygma, Sipa Press, and AFP. Over the past thirty years, his work has graced more than a hundred magazine and book covers and found its way into leading international publications including Time Magazine, Le Monde, Paris Match, Der Spiegel, and Asharq Al Awsat. French Weeks highlights photographer's tribute to a timeless land His lens has traversed a myriad of subjects, capturing the stark realities of war in Iraq, Libya, Lebanon, and Syria, alongside significant global events like the Cannes Film Festival and Paris Fashion Week. Abd Rabbo's portraits of renowned figures, such as world leaders and cultural icons like Michael Jackson and Stephen Hawking, sit alongside tender depictions of ordinary people navigating extraordinary challenges. In conflict zones, he chooses to focus not on combat, but on the resilience of civilians – a perspective central to his poignant 2016 photo book Alep, À Elles Eux Paix. Abd Rabbo's work has been showcased globally in esteemed institutions and cultural events, including Banksy's Dismaland in the UK, the Venice Biennale, MAXXI Museum in Rome, and the Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris. He has held solo exhibitions in cities like Doha, Dubai, Beirut, and Paris, and in 2018, he was honoured with the title of Chevalier of the French Order of Arts and Letters, recognising his meaningful contributions to the arts. French Weeks highlights photographer's tribute to a timeless land In 'Oman In My Eyes,' Ammar Abd Rabbo invites visitors to engage with his ongoing relationship with the Sultanate – a journey enriched by admiration, curiosity, and profound emotional resonance. Each image serves as a thoughtful meditation on place and presence, offering a rare and timeless view of Oman through the eyes of a seasoned storyteller. This exhibition promises to attract a diverse audience – from art enthusiasts and cultural historians to photography aficionados and members of the Franco-Omani community. It pays tribute to Oman's evolving landscape while celebrating the enduring connections fostered through art and cultural exchange. Visitors are heartily invited to explore this powerful visual narrative and immerse themselves in Oman as seen through the discerning eyes of a photographer whose work resonates with both gentleness and depth. The exhibition will be open to the public from 27 April to 12 May 2025 at Stal Gallery Ammar Abd Rabbo
Observer
19-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Observer
An artist's bold reimagination of the Epic of Gilgamesh at Stal Gallery
Stal Gallery opened its latest exhibition on 13 April in Muscat, presenting 'Gilgamesh: Symbols and Connotations' by acclaimed Iraqi artist Dr. Sabeeh Kalash. Held under the patronage of Engineer Saeed Al-Saklawy, President of the Omani Society for Writers and Literati, the event brought together artists, writers, and cultural enthusiasts for an evocative evening where ancient myth met contemporary vision. The exhibition runs until 22 April. Rooted in the cultural wealth of Mesopotamia, Gilgamesh: Symbols and Connotations presents the world's oldest epic through a strikingly modern visual language. 'This exhibition unfolds the timeless Epic of Gilgamesh through the expressive strokes of a contemporary brush,' Kalash explains. 'Inspired by Mesopotamian heritage, the works portray Gilgamesh not merely as a legendary king, but as a universal symbol of humanity's eternal search—for meaning, friendship, transcendence, and immortality.' An artist's bold reimagination of the Epic of Gilgamesh at Stal Gallery Each painting offers a poetic exploration of key moments from the epic: Enkidu's creation, the battle in the Cedar Forest, the Great Flood, the serpent, and the quest for eternal life. These themes emerge through symbolic forms, abstract compositions, and layered visual metaphors that invite deep reflection. Kalash's artistic vision is as personal as it is historical. 'The inspiration behind Gilgamesh: Symbols and Connotations was born from a profound connection to the cultural legacy of Mesopotamia—the cradle of civilisation and my ancestral land,' he shares. 'The epic offered a timeless mirror reflecting the essence of human existence: the struggle with mortality, the thirst for knowledge, the power of friendship, and the eternal quest for meaning.' An artist's bold reimagination of the Epic of Gilgamesh at Stal Gallery What sets this collection apart is how Kalash treats the myth as a living narrative that still resonates today. 'Amidst the noise of modern life and the fragmentation of identity, Gilgamesh emerged as a symbol of continuity, introspection, and resilience,' he notes. That introspection is tangible across the canvases, many of which resemble ancient ruins brought to life—etched with bull horns, faded inscriptions, and fractured forms. One piece features a kneeling, blue-hued figure caught mid-transformation, surrounded by symbolic orbs and grids. Another overlays winged beasts and warriors with stamp-like motifs and vibrant colour, echoing the epic's chaos and complexity. 'The creative process was fuelled by personal experiences of exile, longing, and the search for belonging—parallels to Gilgamesh's own journey of loss and discovery,' Kalash reflects. 'Each canvas became a meeting point of memory and imagination—a conversation across centuries.' An artist's bold reimagination of the Epic of Gilgamesh at Stal Gallery Dr. Sabeeh Kalash, born in Baghdad in 1948, is one of the Arab world's most respected contemporary artists. He holds a PhD in Contemporary Art History from Sorbonne University in Paris and has taught at leading institutions including the University of Baghdad, Yarmouk University, Al-Mustansiriya University, and Sultan Qaboos University, where he chaired the Art Education Department until 2014. His work—shown in over a dozen countries—is widely recognised for exploring themes of memory, mythology, and identity. In 2020, he received first prize in Oman's international art competition on the COVID-19 pandemic. An artist's bold reimagination of the Epic of Gilgamesh at Stal Gallery Presented at Stal Gallery, known for fostering cross-cultural dialogue through contemporary art, this exhibition offers more than an artistic reinterpretation—it is a thoughtful excavation of meaning and myth. Gilgamesh: Symbols and Connotations reflects the enduring power of storytelling and the timeless relevance of the human journey. The exhibition is open to the public until 22 April at Stal Gallery, Madinat Al Sultan Qaboos, Muscat. Visitors are invited to step into a world where memory and myth converge—where the figure of Gilgamesh walks again, not through ancient clay tablets, but across canvases alive with colour, symbolism, and emotional depth.
Observer
07-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Observer
Omani artist celebrates maternal influence in Stal Gallery exhibition
A mother is far more than just a title—she personifies love, strength, sacrifice, and resilience. She is the first connection we have to the world, shaping our identities, nurturing our dreams, and providing unwavering support. The profound influence of a mother echoes in every lesson she teaches, every comforting embrace she offers, and every value she instils in us. These powerful themes rise to prominence in Hafsa Al Tamimi's captivating solo exhibition, 'Echoes of the Mother,' which debuted on 3 February 2025, at Stal Gallery in Muscat. Guests of Honour, Dr. Mohammed Ali Al Barwani, Founder and Chairman of MB Group Companies, and Ms. Sharifa Al Harthy, Vice Chairperson of MB Holding Company LLC, joined artists, art enthusiasts, and community members in celebrating Tamimi's deeply personal exploration of motherhood. Omani artist celebrates maternal influence in Stal Gallery exhibition The exhibition features 34 striking artworks that delve into the emotional and societal facets of motherhood, blending strength and tenderness, light and shadow. Each piece reflects the vital role mothers play in shaping identity, resilience, and human connections. The theme of motherhood has long captivated artists across generations, creating a narrative that resonates deeply with audiences worldwide. The exploration of this significant subject area highlights the profound emotional and societal roles mothers play in shaping lives. Several renowned artists have become notable for their compelling portrayals of motherhood, each bringing their unique perspectives to this powerful narrative. Omani artist celebrates maternal influence in Stal Gallery exhibition Kara Walker is a renowned American contemporary artist celebrated for her striking silhouettes and commentary on race, gender, and identity. Her work often explores the complexities of motherhood within African American culture, notably in her acclaimed piece "Sugar Babies," which examines the legacies of slavery and maternal bonds. Similarly, Elizabeth Catlett, an influential African American sculptor and printmaker, highlights the experiences of Black mothers in her art. Her iconic piece "Mother and Child" showcases the strength and tenderness of maternal relationships, emphasising the powerful role of motherhood in shaping identities. In the contemporary sphere, Hafsa has emerged as a significant voice in Omani art, delving into the realities of motherhood through her personal narratives. Omani artist celebrates maternal influence in Stal Gallery exhibition The narrative of motherhood is particularly potent because it transcends individual cultures and experiences, tapping into deep emotional truths that resonate universally. It addresses themes of love, sacrifice, resilience, and identity—elements that are integral to the human experience. The exploration of motherhood through art allows for a critical examination of these themes, provoking thought and fostering empathy among viewers. Al Tamimi is known for her introspective, emotive works. With a fine arts background, she has showcased her talents both locally and internationally, earning acclaim for her ability to intertwine personal narratives with broader societal themes. 'Echoes of the Mother' marks the pinnacle of her exploration into motherhood as both an individual and collective experience. Tamimi's art highlights the quiet yet enduring strength of mothers, portraying them as pillars of love, sacrifice, and resilience. As she poignantly expresses, 'a mother is the first echo we carry within us—her love, her strength, and her sacrifices shape who we become.' This sentiment resonates throughout the collection, inviting viewers to reflect on the universal and deeply personal impact of motherhood on identity and human connection. Omani artist celebrates maternal influence in Stal Gallery exhibition Among the standout pieces is a powerful painting of Budoor Al Riyami and her sons. Al Riyami reflected on her experience of being seen through Tamimi's artistic lens, saying, 'It's different when you look at yourself through another artist's eyes—it's like seeing myself from a new perspective. She captures the relationship between me and my children beautifully. As a mother of two boys, she portrayed me as a queen. I may be a strong woman, but it's my children who protect me.' This poignant piece encapsulates the unique dynamic between a mother and her children, showcasing the profound ways maternal bonds weave together strength and vulnerability. With 'Echoes of the Mother,' Tamimi solidifies her role as a significant voice in Omani contemporary art, skillfully bridging personal stories with universal themes. Her capacity to capture the depth of human emotions, particularly the resilience and tenderness inherent in motherhood, transforms this exhibition into a heartfelt tribute to the silent yet powerful presence of mothers in our lives. Now open at Stal Gallery, 'Echoes of the Mother' invites guests to explore Hafsa Al Tamimi's deeply personal interpretations of motherhood and identity. Through her evocative works, Tamimi captures the essence of maternal love, resilience, and sacrifice, yielding a tribute to the profound and lasting impact mothers have on shaping lives. This exhibition promises not only a visual feast but also an emotional journey that fosters reflection, connection, and appreciation for the echoes of motherhood that resonate within us all.
