Rozan: Where art meets identity and sustainability

In a two-day artistic experience at Al Afaq Private School in Nizwa, the “Rozan” exhibition opened a wide window onto the creativity of students from across all school levels, presenting a space where colour met purpose, identity met innovation and art met environmental responsibility in a way that carried meaning beyond the canvas.
Participants relied on local environmental materials and used eco-friendly adhesives, highlighting the importance of sustainable art that respects nature and creatively reuses available resources. A recycling corner was also dedicated to the initiative in cooperation with the Mothers’ Council and students under the Mishkat Sustainable Education Initiative, where used materials such as cardboard, fabric and newspapers were transformed into artistic alternatives.

Lilian Youssef Mikhael, visual arts teacher, explained that Rozan is an invitation to see each student as a unique element, adding their own colour, voice and creativity to the artistic landscape, together creating a garden of ideas and innovations that reflects Omani identity in its authentic spirit. She added that the exhibition also carried an environmental and cultural message, bringing together creativity and sustainability in a distinctive artistic experience.
Among the exhibition’s standout themes were cartoon-style artworks with an Omani identity, portraying traditional games such as Saloom Bloom, Hawalis and Rajilah, alongside works that were reimagined using artificial intelligence techniques in a step aimed at reinforcing national identity and strengthening values of citizenship. The exhibition also featured three-dimensional cubic art models of living creatures, including the Arabian horse, the Arabian oryx and the falcon, created from cardboard and other materials.

Muna al Kandi, administrator at Al Afaq Private School said the presence of the administrative staff alongside students and teachers at Rozan reflects the school’s pride in and support for student activities.
'The exhibition is a culmination of visual and fine arts education and a window into bold ideas and creative talents that know no limits', she said.
In describing the exhibition, Omani filmmaker Mohammed al Kindi praised its vibrant colours, skillful compositions and optimistic artistic spirit, a reflection of how art, when given space to grow, can become a language that speaks of people, place and identity all at once.