At the Omani Society for Fine Arts in Ghala, Muscat, the art exhibition 'Monet’s Impressionism' held recently showcased the works of students from the Fine Arts Group at Sultan Qaboos University, under the supervision of artist Yousuf al Nahwi. The exhibition came as a continuation of a journey that began a year earlier, when the group presented a surrealist exhibition inspired by the works of Salvador Dalí with an Omani touch, an experience that encouraged them to take on a new challenge, this time through the world of Impressionism.
According to Al Nahwi, the idea started with the students’ eagerness to keep exploring major artistic experiences, especially after the success of their earlier surrealism project. Although the students initially thought Impressionism was an “easy” school, the workshops and hands-on practice revealed the opposite. They soon discovered the depth of the style and the difficulty of capturing light, colour, texture and the sensitive layering that defines french legend Claude Monet’s technique.
Al Nahwi explains that the main goal was not merely to produce beautiful artworks, but to create a fertile environment where students could experiment freely, make mistakes, learn and rebuild their ideas. Impressionism, despite appearing simple at first glance, requires a sharp sensitivity to colour and a new way of seeing nature. The students eventually realised that it is “easy only for those who have mastered it, and challenging for beginners”, especially as it depends on emotion, spontaneity and a moment-to-moment relationship with the surrounding environment.
The preparation for the exhibition went through several phases. It began in the second semester of last academic year with theoretical lessons, discussions and introductory workshops on the Impressionist school. During the summer break, students continued sketching and experimenting with their tools, staying connected through WhatsApp and Instagram.
The real transformation, however, began in September when students returned with their initial works. Under Al Nahwi’s guidance, who preferred not to interfere unless the student asked, each painting was refined, adjusted and developed. This method helped students overcome hesitation, understand the method more deeply and build confidence in their artistic decisions. Some students worked boldly and learned through trial and error. Others took their time before finally reaching solid artistic ground.
The exhibition featured 36 artworks, each carrying a shared Impressionist spirit but a unique personal expression. Students chose scenes connected to their own environments, landscapes from their hometowns, seascapes, mountains, farms, daily life, sunlight and natural atmospheres.
Despite similarities in brushwork, colour layering and tonal movement, each piece stood out through its depth, rhythm and emotional presence. According to Al Nahwi, this balance between unity and individuality reflects how each student found his or her own path while still honoring Monet’s style.
Al Nahwi believes that this exhibition goes beyond being a student project, it is a valuable contribution to the Omani art movement. It is based on solid study, connected strongly to Omani identity and guided by an understanding of one of the world’s most influential artistic schools.
Translating Monet’s Impressionism into an Omani context was not an easy task, but it became a meaningful experiment that showcased the passion and skill of young Omani artists.
This exhibition is also seen as an extension of their previous Dalí-inspired project, forming a continuous path of artistic experimentation that blends academic knowledge with creative exploration.
Al Nahwi concludes with a message to the exhibition’s visitors: “Oman is beautiful, our youth are capable and their art carries the strength of this land. These works are not merely landscapes; they are Omani emotions rendered through a universal artistic language. We hope visitors find in this exhibition a moment of peace, beauty and pride”.
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