Upon crossing the threshold of the elegant ABCN Business Centre at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Qurum, your gaze is immediately drawn to a striking large canvas that entices with swirling hues and daring brushstrokes.
This initial piece bursts with colour and form—a vibrant explosion of abstraction alive with movement.
Bold strokes of orange and deep blacks clash and dance across the canvas, evoking the energy of a city awakening at dusk or a powerful emotion bubbling beneath the surface. The painting’s sweeping curves and jagged lines evoke unrestrained passion, inviting viewers to lose themselves in its dynamic rhythm.
As you venture further into the hall, an expansive artwork commands attention—a scene that balances chaos and harmony, with gentle pastel hues blending into fiery accents. Here, Matti Sirvio’s mastery of abstraction becomes almost poetic, hinting at forms and figures just out of reach, yet familiar enough to stir a whisper of recognition. Luminous whites and soft browns intertwine with sharper blacks and reds, creating a layered narrative of quiet contemplation amidst vibrant life—a true celebration of contrasts and coexistence.
The opening of Made in Oman, a solo exhibition by Finnish painter Sirvio, was inaugurated on 27 September 2025 graced by HE Lujaina Mohsin Darwish, Chairperson of ITICS Mohsin Haider Darwish LLC and Honourary Consul for South Africa in Oman. The exhibition runs until 16 October.
Sirvio, who divides his time between Finnish Lapland and Muscat, is renowned for his semi-abstract expressionist style that blends layered colours, bold forms, and spiritual motifs. His works, including It Could Be Me, The Impossible Balance, and Fishing Village Bandar Al Khairan, reflect both personal introspection and a dialogue with the surrounding landscapes.
For the artist, the exhibition title holds deeper significance. “I feel very privileged that I have been able to create art in Oman,” he remarked. “Though I have my own style and philosophy, I am open to the people and environment where I live. These paintings are made in Oman.”
This influence is particularly evident in his colour palette. Sirvio notes that Oman revealed unexpected subtleties: “When I first arrived, I thought the country’s colours were olive green. I was mistaken. Oman is grey and brown, with all their shades and nuances. I love the minimalistic, elegant visual language—the hundreds of hues of sand, rocks, and hills—the white of the dishdasha and kumma—the humility and shyness of it all.”
His works explore extremes—from the fiery tones of It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to the Summer to the contemplative geometries of Weeping May Endure for a Night, But Joy Comes in the Morning. Together, they invite exploration of themes such as loss, endurance, and renewal.
Yet for Sirvio, painting is more than a formal exercise in colour or composition. His abstraction reaches beneath the surface. “Not everyone can verbalise it, but everyone can experience it,” he explained. “There are many unspoken issues—secrets, attractions, shames, private pain. If I can connect with someone emotionally, simply through colours and symbols, and show that I understand their experience, then I consider that a success.”
Sharing such work involves vulnerability. “It’s not easy to hang your soul on a wall for others to see. Come—don’t judge too harshly. Meet me there hiding beneath the surface,” he said with quiet conviction.
Much of that depth springs from his own inner sources of inspiration. “The Bible is my greatest influence,” Sirvio shared. “Its words fill my heart, and even if I didn’t intend it, my work inevitably carries that spiritual resonance. My aim isn’t to persuade but to inspire hope.”
He emphasises that his art is not about propaganda but about offering a glimmer of hope—for others to find solace or strength through his colours and forms. “If someone walks away with a little more hope in their life, then I’ve achieved what I set out to do.”
Having lived and worked across Finland, Turkey, and Central Asia before settling in Muscat, Sirvio finds Oman a uniquely inspiring environment. The city’s blend of tradition and modernity, coupled with its natural grandeur, continually shapes his artistic outlook.
He also regards Made in Oman as part of a broader cultural dialogue. “Every village here seems to have at least one artist, if not more,” he observed. “With more encouragement and greater connection to the international art scene, Oman should be proud to stand alongside other nations. Omani art isn’t behind; it’s simply distinct—expressive in its own unique way.”
As the exhibition continues, Made in Oman remains both a tribute to the landscapes and traditions that inspired it, and an invitation for viewers to look beyond the surface. It’s a conversation between an international artist and Oman—a reminder of the creative vitality thriving within the country’s artistic community.
This dialogue reflects the ongoing fusion of ideas and emotions—an inspiring testament to how art can transcend borders, connect hearts, and ignite new perspectives. Visitors are encouraged not just to observe but to experience the work, to let their own stories intertwine with Sirvio’s vivid expressions.
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