Breaking the mould

Muscat’s contemporary art scene opens a new chapter this week with FORMA 2026: Beyond the End, a major sculpture exhibition that brings together abstract, organic forms and experimental structures under a theme centred on transformation and renewal. Organised by Matti Sirvio Art Galleria and curated by Anetta Szabo, the exhibition runs till March 17 at the gallery in Jawharat Shatti, Qurum.

Now in its fifth edition, the annual FORMA exhibition has established itself as a dedicated platform for abstract sculpture in Oman. This year’s concept, Beyond the End, looks at endings not as closure but as catalysts for change. The curatorial framework draws on natural processes of metamorphosis, such as a seed breaking down to enable growth or a caterpillar dissolving before emerging as a butterfly, guiding artists toward works that examine cycles, rupture, and renewal through material and form.

The exhibition gathers thirteen Omani and resident artists working across a range of sculptural approaches. Participating artists include Rayan Salam Bilkhair, Dana Al Jouder, Saleem Sakhi, Maryam al Sadery, Jamil al Yaqoubi, Faisal al Abri, Shima Amia, Yaseen al Saif, Matti Sirvia, James Wagstaff, Anetta Szabo, Kim Seopyeong and Elena Dragunova. Their works span abstract and organic vocabularies and often merge craft based practices with contemporary sculptural language.

Curator Anetta Szabo, also a university lecturer, positions FORMA as a bridge between art education and professional practice. Through sustained mentorship and exhibition opportunities, the project encourages emerging and mid career artists to push beyond conventional representation and experiment with structure, texture, and spatial relationships. The curatorial direction emphasises process as much as outcome and invites audiences to read sculptural surfaces and volumes as records of transformation.

Matti Sirvio Art Galleria, an artist run space, has built a reputation for consistent support of the local creative community through monthly events, exhibitions, and international networking opportunities. Its programmes have helped connect Omani artists with audiences and collectors abroad, contributing to broader cultural visibility and the growth of art driven tourism. Within that mission, FORMA functions as a recurring anchor event focused specifically on three dimensional and material led practices.

The opening reception welcomed the public to engage directly with the artists and curatorial team. Sponsored in part by Jotun, the exhibition continues the gallery’s model of cross sector collaboration to sustain independent cultural initiatives.

Visitors are encouraged to experience FORMA 2026: Beyond the End before it closes on March 17. Art audiences, collectors, students, and creatives are invited to attend and engage with the works in person at Matti Sirvio Art Galleria in Muscat.