Four Decades of Oman Through Artistic Eyes

A country can be remembered through its landscapes, its traditions and the people who give meaning to its history. It can also be seen through the eyes of artists, whose works preserve fleeting moments and transform familiar scenes into lasting cultural expressions.
This perspective shaped ‘To the Rhythm of Oman’, an exhibition presented by 'Bilarab bin Haitham Initiatives' at Muscat Art 2026, which brought together four decades of artistic interpretations of the Sultanate of Oman by Omani and international artists.
Rather than following a conventional historical narrative, the exhibition assembled different moments of Omani life, allowing visitors to encounter the country through its poetry, ceremonial traditions, music, craftsmanship and contemporary cultural expressions.
Its six interconnected chapters offered a journey through the sounds, movements and details that have long formed part of Oman’s identity.

The first chapter turned to the written word, presenting five calligraphic works from the early 1970s featuring poems dedicated to the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said during the early years of the country’s modern renaissance. Through poetry and calligraphy, the collection revisited a significant period in Oman’s contemporary history.
From the written word, the exhibition shifted to ceremonial life. Works by Felix Fabian and Joan Wanklyn captured the Royal Guard of Oman and mounted musicians, documenting the visual character of official processions through an international artistic perspective.
The atmosphere then became more animated through the works of Antonio Fuertes and Terence Gilbert, who depicted Al Razha, where poetry, swords and percussion converged in a traditional performance rooted in collective celebration.

Music offered a quieter dimension. Through depictions of the oud and mirwas, the exhibition explored the relationship between instruments, performance and stillness, drawing attention to the moments surrounding the creation of sound.
Away from ceremonial and musical settings, the collection turned to the rhythms of everyday work. Works including those by David Jan Curtis documented date harvesting, fishing and traditional craftsmanship, finding artistic significance in familiar gestures and the repeated movements of daily life.

The final chapter brought the perspective closer to home through the work of Omani artist Yousuf al Nahwi. His depictions of camel racing, crowds and traditional sporting culture introduced a more dynamic interpretation of the country, bringing the exhibition to a close through scenes of movement and collective participation.
Together, the works offered more than a collection of historical and contemporary images. They brought different generations and artistic viewpoints into conversation, illustrating how Oman’s cultural identity had been documented and reinterpreted by those who observed it and those who experienced it firsthand.

Eng Iyad al Rawas, official spokesperson for 'Bilarab bin Haitham Initiatives', said the exhibition reflected the organisation’s commitment to creating platforms through which Omani creativity could be developed and introduced to wider audiences.
The initiatives, whose work began in architecture and design, had gradually expanded their engagement with the visual arts, exploring broader connections between heritage, place and contemporary creativity.
Established in 2022, 'Bilarab bin Haitham Initiatives' focused on supporting Omani talent and creating opportunities for young people to contribute to the country’s creative development. Its programmes included the 'Bilarab bin Haitham Award for Architectural Design', the competition to design the Sultanate of Oman Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka in Japan, and the 'Architecture Revival Initiative'.
Its participation in Muscat Art 2026 as a presenting partner extended this work into the visual arts.
Through ‘To the Rhythm of Oman’, four decades of artistic observation came together to offer a multifaceted portrait of the country, one in which heritage was not simply preserved in images but continually rediscovered through the perspectives of different artists.