Muscat: In a cultural landscape, the ‘Art Hall’, organised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth as part of the 29th Muscat International Book Fair, shines as a vibrant space brimming with creativity, bringing together fine arts, music, photography and theatre in one crucible. Visitors can celebrate the beauty of the image and the elegance of the word, exploring the colours, melodies and stories told by paintings and lenses.
With the participation of 27 government and private entities, the ‘Art Hall’ houses more than 412 diverse artworks, including painting, sculpture, calligraphy and photography, in addition to 61 artistic activities ranging from exhibitions, dialogue sessions, workshops, and musical and theatrical performances. These activities target all segments of society, with the aim of spreading artistic culture and creating a platform for creative exchange among participating artists.
Among the striking entries in the lobby is the ‘1000 Words’ exhibition, curated by the Photography Department at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Muscat. It showcases more than 40 photographs by creative students, representing diverse styles such as portraiture, nature photography, conceptual art and advertising photography.
Muhallab al Hinai, one of the students participating in the exhibition, says that each image carries a powerful story and visual message, reflecting feelings and experiences that cannot be expressed in words.
He pointed out that the exhibition is based on the famous saying “a picture is worth a thousand words”, explaining that many of the images mimic reality but carry a symbolic dimension, especially those belonging to the “fine art” style, some of which are inspired by personal experiences or human situations that have affected him.
Muhallab added that what distinguishes the exhibition is its blend of authenticity with modern technology. He said that some artificial intelligence tools are used to enhance the images, such as adjusting the lighting or adding subtle elements like curtains or chandeliers to portraits, without compromising the essence of the image or altering its true content. He explained that during their studies, the students learned how to use artificial intelligence as a tool to enhance creativity, rather than relying solely on traditional editing programmes like Photoshop. He added, “This gives us more time to focus on the content and the idea, rather than just the technology.” He touched on the diversity of the works, saying, “We have photos that reflect the beauty of Oman’s natural landscapes, with their diverse terrain, from mountains to coasts, and others that highlight heritage, daily life and cultural identity.”
The department also showcased a collection of short documentaries produced by students as part of their academic projects. Muhallab commented, “Some of our colleagues participated with films that won local awards, addressing topics related to cultural heritage, traditional crafts and community stories. These works were praised by visitors for their meaningful content and quality production.”
Hamama al Kindi, Head of the Photography Department, affirmed that the launch of the ‘1000 Words’ exhibition stems from the university’s commitment to empowering students artistically and giving them a platform to present their work to a broad audience - encouraging them to keep creating and opening up career opportunities in the art market.
The exhibition also features short films and documentaries highlighting Oman’s cultural heritage and traditional crafts, earning admiration from visitors for their unique themes and polished execution.
In another corner of the lounge, “And the Legacy Remains” showcases artistic memorabilia of late Omani artists such as Ayoub Melng, Musa Omar and Mohammed Nizam, in a tribute to their artistic journeys and legacy.
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