The cultural programme “Omani Aesthetics”, organised by the Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Foundation, concluded on Friday evening, 30 January, after two days of rich artistic and literary activities that included a visual art exhibition, a cello concert, a poetry evening, an art lecture and a showcase of traditional handicrafts.
As part of the closing programme, Omani art critic Dr Zahra Al Zadjali delivered a lecture on visual art in the Sultanate of Oman, accompanied by a visual presentation highlighting its key features. Her talk offered an insightful tour of Oman’s museums, providing explanation, interpretation and cultural reading that bridged memory and modernity, while linking artistic expression to the evolution of the Omani art movement from its beginnings to the present day.
The evening also featured poetry readings by Khamis Al Farsi, Mohammed Al Tuwail, Saif Al Alawi and Khalifa Al Shibli, whose poems ranged from national and patriotic themes to deeply emotional reflections. The verses were delivered in both classical Arabic and Nabati poetry, drawing strong appreciation from a large audience that filled the lecture hall at the Al Owais Cultural Foundation.
The poetry evening was moderated by poet Ibrahim Al Shaibani, who also recited selections from his own work. Audience interaction was lively throughout the event, reflecting the deep-rooted love of poetry among Omanis. Over the course of an hour, poets took turns presenting their work, with the evening enriched by popular traditional shilat chants, delivered with expressive energy that captured the diversity and emotional depth of everyday life.
At the conclusion of the evening, Ibrahim Al Hashemi, Executive Director of the Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Foundation, presented certificates of appreciation and commemorative shields to the participating poets, wishing them continued success.
The “Omani Aesthetics” programme also featured a comprehensive exhibition showcasing paintings, wooden sculptures, handicrafts and other cultural expressions from Oman. Participating artists included Jamal Al Jassasi, Israa Bazra, Asmaa Al Habsi, Ismail Al Balushi, Asila Al Ghafri, Aflah Al Rashdi, Al Muayyad Al Rashdi, Dr Ilham Al Nassari, Amina Al Rasbi, Jumana Al Jassasi, Jeehan Al Omairi, Rehab Al Alawi, Reem Al Bathari, Sara Al Riyami, Samia Al Filaiti, Sumaya Al Shaqsi, Sumaya Batmeera, Sanaa Al Sabri, Sanaa Al Hinai, Suha Al Abrawi, Aisha Al Siyabi, Afaf Al Muqbali, Afraa Al Balushi, Gharib Al Zadjali, Fatima Al Busaidi, Fatima Al Marhoon, Ma’athir Saeed, Mahmoud Al Mahmouli, Muslim Al Hajri, Malak Al Riyami, Mona Al Balushi, Mi’ad Al Ajmi, Naela Al Wadhihi, Wafaa Al Zuaabi and Yahya Al Maskari.
The exhibition also included a dedicated handicrafts section presented by the University of Nizwa, alongside works by Afrah Al Ishaqi, Saeed Al Dawoudi and Hamad Al Samahi.
The programme further featured a musical concert by Omani cellist Maryam Al Manjiyyah, the first female cellist in the Gulf region, who performed a selection of classical and Arabic compositions, including Taqsi, Nana, Allah Ya Dar Zayed, Jana Al Hawa, Ahib Al Barr Wal Mazyon, Ya Munyati, Aatini Al Nay Wa Ghanni, Ya Markab Al Hind, Abaad, Shuwaikh Min Ard Maknas, Lawla Al Mahabba, Ya Sammar Ma Yehla Al Samar, La La Tedayeqouna, Ya Souli and Samara Ya Samara.
