

Bait Muzna Gallery, in collaboration with Metamorphosis Art Projects, London, debuted the Middle Eastern launch of “We Are All Flowers from the Same Garden,” a solo retrospective exhibition by the acclaimed South Korean artist Oh Myung Hee, on Tuesday evening. The exhibition was inaugurated by HH Dr Sayyida Mona bint Fahad Al Said, accompanied by Kie-Joo Kim, the ambassador of South Korea to the Sultanate of Oman. This significant event also celebrates 50 years of diplomatic relations between South Korea and Oman, adding an important cultural dimension to the occasion.
From 3rd December, Bait Muzna transformed into "The Garden: A Metaphor for Shared Humanity," showcasing the breathtaking artwork of Professor Oh Myung Hee. During an interview with the Observer, Professor Oh expressed her desire for visitors to reflect on the deep metaphor of a garden as a space where harmony, diversity, and interconnectedness thrive. The theme resonates not only through her art but also mirrors the gallery's mission to foster a cultural dialogue within the community.


Sayyida Susan Al Said, founder of Bait Muzna Gallery, spoke highly of Professor Oh’s artwork, stating, “I haven’t seen such quality of work before. She is profoundly connected to spirit and energy. Anyone who experiences this exhibition will grasp the significance of her work. I have attended two of her exhibitions in the UK, and each was an enlightening experience.”
Professor Oh shared insights into her artistic journey, stating, “My pursuit revolves around searching for the essence of life. As an artist, I navigate this exploration through my artwork. While my thoughts evolve over time, there exists a continuity in my essence. Long ago, I portrayed a scarf dancing in the wind across a prairie full of flowers. Although the shape and form of my work have transformed, the core essence remains unchanged. The imagery of the scarf persists in all my pieces, representing an ongoing quest for beauty.”


The walls of Bait Muzna will showcase Professor Oh's vibrant art from 4th December until 2nd January 2025. She noted, “Oman is calm and quiet. I draw great energy from the mountains surrounding us. The people of Oman are immensely friendly,” as she reflected on her experience while enjoying the stunning sunset from the terrace of Bait Muzna.
For Professor Oh, “Art is an endless series of questions—a continuous journey into the unknowable,” emphasising her belief that art serves as both a personal exploration and a universal commentary on the human experience. This exhibition represents the culmination of emotions, reflections, and artistic growth she has nurtured over the past decade, and she eagerly anticipates her future creations to bloom.


Through her artwork, viewers can engage with nostalgia stemming from the stories she has uncovered while walking the paths of Korean women. Her paintings, such as ‘The Days that Were Snowy but Warm’ and ‘The Spring Day Goes By,’ offer profound insights into the lives of these women. Drawing inspiration from Ganggangsulae, a traditional Korean dance performed during full moon festivals, she introduces themes of moonlight and the joy and equality experienced amongst women.
Professor Oh employs lacquer, a centuries-old Oriental technique, along with extensive use of mother of pearl and eggshells in her creations. Her work transports the viewer from the tangible world to realms of imagination, exploring the interplay of shadows, the vastness of the universe, and the mysteries of starlight and moonlight, culminating in a sense of transcendence.
When asked about her use of mother of pearl, she expressed that it is deeply rooted in her memories: “Mother of pearl signifies nostalgic memories for me. As a child, my mother owned a wardrobe adorned with inlaid mother-of-pearl work, and I was captivated by its beauty in the morning light.”

Tatiana Palinkasev and Eva McGaw, curators from Metamorphosis Art Projects in London, have represented Professor Oh for the past decade. They emphasised the significance of Oman in curating the exhibition: “Oman is a land rich in history and trade, celebrating both art and culture. We are all like flowers, with unique functions; no one purpose is superior to another. We must embrace and celebrate our differences. This is the core message of the exhibition.”
Through this retrospective, Bait Muzna Gallery not only showcases a profound artistic journey but also invites the community to engage with themes of unity, diversity, and the shared human experience that transcends borders and cultures.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here