Bait Muzna Gallery in Old Muscat, Oman

  “Nestled in the heart of Muscat old town, surrounded by steep mountains and 16th century Portuguese forts, the Bait Muzna Gallery, originally the home of a member of the Oman Royal Family, is a unique traditionally styled house renovated as an art gallery in January 2000 through the vision and dedication of American-born Sayyida Susan Al Said.”  “Art is the soul of a culture and the Gallery recognizes that modern & contemporary art is an essential indicator of the state and progress of a society.  As Oman continues to develop and open up to international business and tourism, Omani art and artists are set to benefit from this increased exposure.  A main goal of Bait Muzna Gallery is to introduce Omani artists to the international Art scene and provide a unique accessible and welcoming venue to showcase these talents.”  The friendly Filipina lady who works at the Gallery-Noora-is more than willing to assist with any questions you might have concerning the artwork.  Tel: 968-24-739-204, Fax: 968-24-739-205, Mobile: 968-24-739-204  Gallery hours are Saturday to Thursday from 9:30am to 7pm.  www.baitmuznagallery.com  www.omanart.com   This oil on canvas piece is titled “Splendor” and was painted by the Lebanese-German painter of Armenian decent, Emmanuel Guiragossian. (8300 RO)  Another piece by Emmanuel Guiragossian titled “The Champion” (/(RO 6950)

  “Reflection from the Moon”, oil on canvas by Omani artist, Hassan Meer. (RO 2800)  “Born in 1972, he grew up in Muscat, the capital of Oman.  He received his Bachelor and Master degree in Art from Savannah College of Art and Design Georgia, USA in 2000.  Meer exhibited extensively in Oman and internationally for the past 20 years.  He obtained many awards including the Golden Palm from the second Exhibition of the Gulf States.  Hassan Meer is also the curator of the Circle Show that is taking the lead in encouraging new forms of art in Oman and in the Gulf.”  “Omani Door XXIX” by Omani artist, Abdel Majeed Karooh. (RO 400)  “Born in 1975, Omani artist Karooh started painting since the age of 8.  His inspiration comes from his childhood, filled with happy memories, as well as the unique heritage and folklore of the Sultanate of Oman.  His successful contemporary “Omani Door” series are set in bright yet natural colors which are the memories of his family ancestral home.  As for his “Oman Architectural” series, they were inspired by his father, one of the capital’s main constructors, who taught him all his knowhow.  Karooh is a member of the Omani Society for Fine Art and the Youth Studio.  He has won three distinctive awards and has exhibited in Oman, Egypt, Dubai and New Delhi.”  “Old Civilization I” (RO 380) & “Old Civilization II” (RO 380)  are “Mixed Media on Campus” created by the female Omani artist, Enaam Al Lawati. “Omani artist Enaam Al Lawati has a fascination for history and roots of people and she takes inspiration from the ancient Arabic civilizations to bring her work alive.  Her artwork has ancient calligraphy as a predominant theme; the calligraphy of the old civilizations of the Arab world and those discovered in the caves of Salalah called “Al-Mussnad calligraphy”.  In her paintings, she uses clay to sculpt some of the stamps, depicting scenese from the lives of primitive people, which were related to those old civilizations.”  This “giclee print”, painted by Alan Reed, is titled “Sur”. (RO 49)  This photo is by Said Al Harthy and is titled “Salim”. (RO 150)  “Said Amur Al Harthy is a free lance Omani photographer and a member of the OSFA Photographic Club since 1996.  ‘Through photography I express what I see and feel, my Images frame the emotions and feelings that I come in contact with. I am greatly inspired by Rembrandt. I specialize in black and white photography and hand printing, documenting both landscape and people. I have participated in local and international exhibitions and competitions. I won my first award at an exhibition in Sweden.’”

If you LOVE art and happen to be in the Sultanate of Oman, you definitely have to make it to the Bait Muzna Gallery which is just across from the Bait Al Zubair Museum in Old Muscat.  Even if you’re not that much into art, I highly recommend a visit anyway as the pieces are beautiful!  Only 5 days left of the exhibit by Tonny Holsbergen on “Faces of Oman”…more on that tomorrow…

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