Omani women’s traditional attire takes centre stage in the “Bahaa Oman Visual Arts Show”, an exhibition celebrating one of the most distinctive expressions of the Sultanate of Oman’s cultural identity. Held at the Omani Society for Fine Arts, the exhibition was inaugurated by Lujaina Mohsin Darwish, Honorary Consul of the Republic of South Africa in Oman and will run until June 16.
Bringing together painting, photography, digital art and installation works, the exhibition explores traditional Omani fashion through contemporary artistic perspectives. The showcased works create a dialogue between heritage and modernity, highlighting the enduring beauty of regional dress while embracing new artistic techniques and technologies.
Diana bint Abdulmajeed al Zadjali, Director of the Visual Arts Department at the Directorate General of Arts at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, said the exhibition reflects the vitality of Oman’s art scene and demonstrates how artists can draw inspiration from national identity while engaging with contemporary developments, including digital technologies and artificial intelligence.
She noted that the exhibition highlights the ability of Omani artists to use modern tools to showcase the aesthetics of the country’s cultural heritage in ways that resonate with contemporary audiences.
A distinctive feature of the exhibition is its collaborative approach. Participating artists took part in workshops and creative discussions from the early stages of the project, contributing to a shared artistic vision. This spirit of cooperation is reflected in the diversity and quality of the final collection, making the exhibition a model of cultural work rooted in innovation and collective creativity.
Among the featured artists is Said al Dahli, who presented a series of hand-painted 3D-printed figurines dressed in traditional attire from various regions of Oman, including Muscat, Musandam, Dhofar, Al Wusta, Al Sharqiyah North and South Governorates and the Baluchi community.
“This is the first time I am working with 3D prints and it took about three months”, Al Dahli said. Each figurine is characterised by intricate details and distinct facial features, showcasing the diversity of Omani dress traditions.
Calligrapher Hadeel Rashid al Yahyai took a different approach by combining Arabic calligraphy with traditional women’s attire from Al Buraimi. Although best known for her calligraphy, she turned to painting for this exhibition to integrate script directly into her artwork.
“The Arabic calligraphy can be incorporated into this style of dress,” she explained, noting that the embroidery found on many traditional garments can make such integration difficult. Her work features elegant Arabic lettering surrounding a female figure, including the phrase: “She is the full moon in beauty, while other women are merely stars.”
The exhibition also highlights the historical influences reflected in traditional Omani clothing. Juma al Battashi’s three-canvas acrylic work portrays a woman from Sur wearing Al Kidma As Suriyah against a coastal backdrop. The painting references Sur’s maritime heritage and the trade connections that linked Oman with Zanzibar and India.
Meanwhile, Kawthar al Maskari’s work, titled Zinat Al Sharqiya, celebrates the identity of women from Al Sharqiyah North by blending traditional and contemporary styles. Through colour and design, the artwork reflects the continuity and evolution of eastern Omani dress.
Together, the works demonstrate how Omani culture remains a rich source of inspiration, proving that preserving heritage and embracing innovation can go hand in hand.
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