Saturday 16 / November / 2024
Muscat: The Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth of Oman will unveil RANEEN, a pioneering contemporary art experience, in the heart of historic Muttrah from debuting from November 21 to 30, 2024.
RANEEN will transform Muttrah’s storied houses and winding alleyways into a vibrant canvas, where acclaimed Omani and international artists reimagine the town’s rich architecture, heritage, and maritime legacy through innovative installations, video art, projections, photography, and more.
With exhibitions that evoke both nostalgia and modern perspectives, RANEEN promises a journey of collective memories and fresh artistic dialogues, inviting visitors to see Muttrah through a renewed lens.
Sayyid Saeed Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth, expressed the significance of RANEEN.
He said: “Oman has a long history of hosting exceptional art events and exhibitions in Muscat’s historic quarters, an area renowned for its forts, heritage sites, and growing contemporary art scene. Through RANEEN, we continue to preserve our heritage while welcoming local and international artists to celebrate this vibrant culture.”
David Drake, RANEEN’s curator, highlighted the event’s impact. He said: “RANEEN captures the dynamism and ambition of Oman’s contemporary art landscape. This event not only promotes local artistry but also offers a platform for the next generation of Omani artists to reach new audiences across the Gulf and internationally. Visitors will experience an art trail that illuminates Omani history and culture through imaginative installations.”
RANEEN will foster local pride and creativity through an extensive engagement programme led by Makan Studios, ensuring that Muttrah’s community connects with and contributes to the festival. The ten-day programme includes family workshops, storytelling sessions, light displays, musical performances, and more, with opportunities for all ages to explore their artistic potential while deepening appreciation for Muttrah’s cultural heritage.
Drake, a curator with four decades of expertise, has organised over 400 exhibitions on five continents and published 30 artist monographs.
He has curated major international exhibitions, including The Place I Call Home, a UK-Gulf collaboration, and won the Casa Arabe/PhotoEspana Nur Award in 2023. Formerly Director of Ffotogallery in Wales, he led projects across Europe, South Korea, India, North America, and Africa, showcasing diverse voices and fostering cross-cultural dialogue.
Exhibition highlights
Among the event’s highlights is Museum of the Moon, a spectacular touring artwork by UK artist Luke Jerram, situated in the courtyard of Bait AlKhonji. Azra Akšamija’s Abundance and Scarcity, a 70-metre canopy installation, merges environmental themes with cultural heritage.
Finnish artist Elina Brotherus, known for her evocative photographic works, will unveil pieces created during a residency in Oman, supporting emerging Omani artists through mentorship.
Other notable works include Unity in Diversity, a 20-metre mural by HH Sayyida Tania al Said, embodying Oman’s commitment to coexistence and diversity.
Omani artist Marwa Al Bahrani’s Shifting Hues of Time, an octagonal installation of acrylic and iridescent glass, creates a shifting spectrum of colours symbolising transformation and memory. Haitham Al Busafi’s Vivid Memories – Desired Objects reflects childhood nostalgia through the vibrant play of light and colour.
Featured artists and works
The exhibition presents an extraordinary roster of artists whose works reflect the rich history, natural landscapes, and vibrant cultural evolution of Oman. Each piece fosters dialogue between local traditions and global contemporary perspectives.
Luke Jerram (United Kingdom): Known worldwide for his monumental sculptures, Jerram will exhibit Museum of the Moon, a seven-metre lunar replica using NASA images, inspiring connections to themes of space and humanity.
Azra Akšamija and MIT Future Heritage Lab (Bosnia and Herzegovina/USA): Akšamija’s Abundance and Scarcity installation, a 70-metre shading canopy, celebrates Muttrah’s social landscape with Sadu-inspired weaving patterns.
Marwa Al Bahrani (Oman): In her installation Shifting Hues of Time, Al Bahrani uses iridescent glass to symbolise Oman’s transformation, creating a display that shifts with the viewer’s perspective.
HH Sayyida Tania al Said (Oman): Founder of Stal Gallery, Sayyida Tania presents Unity in Diversity, a 20-metre mural celebrating Oman’s legacy of peace and tolerance.
Elina Brotherus (Finland): Brotherus’s photography series captures architectural details and natural landscapes, creating poetic representations of Mutrah’s scenery.
Ammar Alkiyumi (Oman): Alkiyumi’s sculptures, inspired by Mutrah’s sea breakers, reflect resilience and Oman’s connection to the sea.
Khadija Al Maamari (Oman): Circles of Time explores family, tradition, and societal continuity through circular motifs symbolising Omani bonds across generations.
Laurenz Theinert (Germany): Theinert collaborates with Omani musicians on a son et lumière installation, transforming Muttrah’s public spaces into immersive light and sound experiences.
Bashair Faqir (Oman): Her piece Childhood Home is a nostalgic exploration of memory and play, reflecting the warmth of Omani family life.
Huria Al Harassi (Oman): Known for textured compositions, Al Harassi’s pieces capture spontaneous joy and cultural connections in richly layered works.
Clive Gracey (United Kingdom): His photography series Yesterday’s Rooms evokes nostalgia for Muttrah’s historic interiors, capturing their essence and storied past.
John Meirion Rea (United Kingdom): Rea’s soundscape combines field recordings with Oud music, paying homage to the diverse sounds of Muttrah’s port.
Ahmed Al Sinani (Oman): In Desert Echoes, Al Sinani uses desert sand to create textured landscapes that speak to Oman’s vast and serene natural beauty.
Fatma Al Rashdi (Oman): Her installation Threads of Heritage uses traditional fabrics to highlight Omani textile craftsmanship, blending historical techniques with modern forms.
Said Al Harthy (Oman): In Legacy Stones, Al Harthy’s stone carvings evoke ancient petroglyphs, reminding viewers of Oman’s rich archaeological heritage.
Reem Al Faisal (Saudi Arabia): Al Faisal’s photography captures the spirit of pilgrimage and spiritual journey, a nod to Oman’s role in connecting Islamic cultures.
Oliver Ressler (Austria): His installation Sea of Change addresses environmental concerns, drawing attention to Oman’s oceanic ecosystems through interactive displays.
Maha Al Balushi (Oman): In Voices of the Past, al Balushi presents mixed-media portraits inspired by Omani oral histories, preserving cultural narratives.
Rachid Koraïchi (Algeria): Known for calligraphic art, Koraïchi’s work The Language of Peace incorporates Arabic script to symbolize unity and cross-cultural understanding.
Ali Al Ajmi (Oman): His large-scale installation Market Rhythms mimics the sights and sounds of Muttrah’s souk, bringing its vibrant energy and community feel to life.
