Omani women, the jewels of the canvas

Two Omani women stand side by side, adorned in gold jewellery, with a fort, mountains and palm trees behind them. Yet for artist Mai al Wahaibi, the real treasure in her painting is not the gold. 'The jewels in the painting are not the gold ornaments alone, but the Omani woman herself,' she said.
Her painting is one of 70 works by 65 Omani women artists at 'Jawahir Fanniya' (Artistic Jewels), which, according to Awatif al Fazari, Director of the Studio Section at the Omani Society for Fine Arts, all speak about Omani women through silver and traditional Omani jewellery, by artists ranging from pioneers of fine art to newer names. Organised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, represented by the society, to mark Omani Women's Day, the exhibition opened on Tuesday at the society's premises in Ghala under the patronage of HE Halima al Zarai, Chairperson of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority, and runs until October 29.
Women on canvas
At the heart of the exhibition is the idea of Omani jewels as a symbol that goes beyond jewellery and adornment, expressing the beauty of Omani women, their pride in their identity and a strength rooted in history.
For Mai al Wahaibi, that idea is personal. 'She is a jewel in her worth, her authenticity and her identity,' she said of the Omani woman. Through her painting, she wanted to show how Omani women carry their heritage with them in a modern spirit, describing the Omani woman as 'a jewel whose shine grows brighter whenever she expresses her identity'.
Eng Noora al Balushi, a fine artist and member of the Omani Society for Fine Arts, is one of the exhibition's guests of honour this year, chosen in recognition of their earlier achievements. Her realistic painting focuses on the dress that sets Omani women apart, its colours and patterns captured as they are.
'For me, Omani dress is not just clothing, but an identity women carry from one generation to the next,' she said.
An incense burner also appears in her painting, as a symbol of the Omani home, its hospitality and the warmth women create in their homes and communities. 'Our authenticity is the most beautiful thing we have,' she said.
Jewels in motion
For some artists, the jewels are not only painted but designed. Loura al Siyabi, artist, fine jewellery designer and 3D CAD specialist, Ultramarine Jewelry, is taking part with a 3D digital design of a bracelet, displayed on screen, inspired by traditional Omani jewellery and reworked with a contemporary vision. At its centre is a rotating ring that adds movement and interaction, making the piece more than an ornament.
'Its shape is inspired by heritage, while its movement symbolises the progress of Omani women and their ability to keep pace with the times while staying proud of their roots,' she said.
Many forms, one story
Beyond painting and digital design, the exhibition brings together photography, calligraphic compositions, sculpture and ceramics. Photography captures features of identity and beauty, while calligraphic compositions blend modernity and authenticity in innovative visual forms. Sculpture and ceramics, meanwhile, reflect the range of materials Omani women artists work with.
The exhibition aims to showcase young female talent alongside experienced Omani artists, and to strengthen women's presence in the creative industries.
'A woman's story is not limited to an exhibition or a single day,' al Fazari said. 'She is the Omani woman, and she is half of society.'