KREFELD, GERMANY: Omani visual artists Hafsa al Tamimi and Fakhratag al Ismaili are representing the Sultanate of Oman at the fifth Fine Arts Forum, ‘Arts Camp 2026’, in the German city of Krefeld, joining 27 artists from several Arab and European countries.
The forum, which runs until August 29, provides a platform for cultural exchange and artistic dialogue, while giving the participating artists an opportunity to present contemporary Omani artistic practices to an international audience.
The event also enables artists to explore different artistic schools, exchange techniques and experiences, and engage in collaborative creative work.
A key feature of the forum is its open art galleries, where members of the public can observe artists at work and interact directly with them. The programme also includes workshops and dialogue sessions exploring social and cultural themes, as well as the increasingly important intersection between visual art and artificial intelligence, including the generation of digital images.
The artworks created during the camp address themes including identity, cultural diversity, contemporary social change and cultural heritage, with artists exploring ways of translating these themes into modern visual languages.
Al Tamimi said her participation had provided an opportunity to engage with artists from different cultural backgrounds, each bringing distinct artistic experiences, ideas and perspectives.
“Despite these differences, we are united by a single language: the language of art,” she said, describing the forum as a valuable space for cultural exchange and mutual learning.
She said discussions at the forum extended beyond art to Oman’s culture, heritage, history and natural environment.
“We discuss Oman and its rich history, diverse culture, abundant heritage and exceptional natural beauty,” she said, adding that the participating Omani artists were also keen to introduce the international participants to the country’s growing visual arts scene and the achievements of its artists.
Al Ismaili described the forum as an important opportunity to connect with artists from diverse countries and learn about their artistic approaches, techniques and experiences.
She noted that the growing number of participating countries each year reflected the forum’s importance as a platform for international artistic exchange and dialogue.
The forum will conclude with the opening of a general exhibition featuring the works produced during the Arts Camp, followed by an interactive session bringing together participating artists and the public to discuss their creative processes, experiences and artistic visions.
The participation of the two Omani artists contributes to strengthening Oman’s cultural presence internationally while highlighting the country’s contemporary visual arts and its distinctive artistic and cultural identity. - ONA
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