The Omani Society for Fine Arts (OSFA)?hosted a lively workshop last week that culminated in an exhibition of works by 40 female artists from the GCC and beyond. All of the paintings displayed from January 26 to February 2 were produced in the main gallery during a three-day event between January 23 and 25, when the artists worked alongside one another, each producing two canvases.
Arranged by OSFA director Maryam al Zadjali, the workshop celebrated the 40th anniversary of H M Sultan Qaboos bin Said. “It was a way of bringing together Omani and non-Omani artists to celebrate the 40 years of His Majesty’s reign. It’s a message that women can do something in this country – that they are supportive and powerful, that they can do anything.”
Maryam’s workshop did not impose a theme upon the artists – “They worked in their own style,” she said – although she has plans to hold a themed workshop next year. According to several of the artists who took part, the workshop was inspirational. Sarah White said, “It’s been phenomenal. For three days everyone was working like crazy in this room. Maryam is fantastic and proactive, and we work well together professionally and personally.”
Another participant, Antje Manser, was struck by the different ways in which artists paint, some working at tables or easels and others on the floor. “What impressed me was that the young Omani women paint on the floor. It looks so natural, so casual. All the young women were communicating and chatting.”
Enaam al Lawati, who helped organise the workshop, explained that the society provided each artist with two canvases as well as other materials. All of the paintings displayed were worked in acrylics, although some artists incorporated other media, too, and the bulk were abstract in style. However, the participants used canvases of different shapes; and one artist, Ola Hejazi from Saudi Arabia, clubbed together her canvases to make a single work that she described as her vision of Muscat.
Ola had not visited Oman before this trip, although she has participated in a similar event in Dubai. She said that she had enjoyed working alongside the other artists at the OSFA. “It’s about give and take.”
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