By Zuwaina al Sulimani
The history of the Mona Lisa painting is so profound. It currently stands as the one of the world’s most famous paintings. The artist’s notion that humanity and nature are interconnected through a cosmic link serves as the theme of this work.
The sitter’s hesitant smile serves as further evidence of the harmony it conveys.
The Mona Lisa is so important to the world of art because it revolutionised portrait painting and the way that artists dressed their models. It is extremely well-known everywhere.
The painting has left a lasting impression on people all over the world because it is referenced in numerous contemporary works, including songs, movies, books, and commonplace items.
THE OMANI PAINTING
Salim Swakhroon created the Omani-Dhofari Mona Lisa as a portrait photo with the assistance of a creative team that performed makeup, hair, painting, modelling, and designing to produce an exceptional impersonation of the famous painting of the Mona Lisa.They provided insight into how the world is a compact space where eastern and western cultures coexist.
It is a unique and creative work of art that captures the harmony between the traditional Omani-Dhofari dress and the legacy of the Omani history and its interactions with the outside world.
The artists preserved the authenticity and uniqueness of the Omani costume and embodied it in a model who resembled the Mona Lisa in her features and surroundings. By fusing the famous Mona Lisa painting with the Omani costume, they added a new and creative mark to it.
This piece of art was created by innovative Omani artists who are passionate about presenting their work in a distinctive and contemporary manner. It depicts the beauty of the Omani costume and how it has survived generational changes, the blending of various cultures and fine arts, and its embracing of various forms.
THE TEAM MEMBERS
The talented Omani artists behind the portrait include photographer Salim Swakhroon, who has developed a distinctive and original style of photography, painter Fakherataj al Ismaili, a well-known and creative young artist, well known film makeup artist Iman al Balushi, a famous and hairstylist Ghada al Siyabi, who began her career in 2012 and has won numerous local and international competitions, the owner of Azal Fashion, Asma, a fashion designer who is passionate about showcasing the beauty and intricate details of traditional Omani dress, and model Asara al Lawati, a social media influencer.
This painting is regarded an echo to the original painting with an addition of some terrain from the Omani environment and landscapes. The painting is 182 cm by 140 cm in size, and it took two months to complete.
This piece of art aims to portray the Omani identity in an understated and contemporary manner. It was done over the course of several shooting days that began in August 2022 and ended in October of that same year.
Salim, the photographer, added that there would also be a number of photo shoots highlighting other traditional outfits from various wilayats in the Sultanate of Oman.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
