“Art 100×100” exhibition brings together 100 pieces of art by Muscat-based artists with a shared drive to raise funds for the Oman Cancer Association. This caring and creative endeavor initiated by Ibrahim Gailani unites artists who have been personally moved by or affected by this disease in some way, and personal stories and dedications accompany each art work. Each artwork donated by the artists is for sale at 100 Rials each and 100% goes to fight cancer. The exhibition hosted at Bait Al Zubair Museum brings together a cross-section of Oman’s artistic community under one roof, with established senior artists alongside emerging new talents and students work. The Higher College of Technology’s Photography Department and Scientific College of Design’s Fine Arts Painting Department were involved and the best works of their students and faculty are on show. 3 months ago artists were invited to submit up to 3 pieces in any genre and pieces were then reviewed and selected by a committee comprising of three artists and one curator from Bait Al Zubair Museum – Ibrahim Gailani, Jennie Eden, Yousuf Al Nahwi and Fahad Al Hasni.
(This pic and others as well as all info in this blogpost come courtesy of Bait Zubair in their press release sent to me.)
Ibrahim Gailani explained “The aim of this project is create a harmony of stories that celebrated the spirit of those who we have lost to the disease and that celebrated the spirit of resilience of those who fight this disease on a daily basis. It is an attempt to heal, to unite, to raise awareness of early detection, celebrate the resilience of those who fight the disease and pay tributes to those who have passed.”
Each artwork has its own story to tell. Here is Story #4: Being Together
Artist: Pragya Bhatnagar, Title: Being Together “This painting is the story of a real life brave hearted child and her mother. It is a tribute to a daughter who fought bravely with cancer before succumbing to it. It is a grand salute to her mother who shaved off her head to comfort her daughter and make her feel beautiful while she was going through her treatment.”
Story #5: The Losing Battle
Artist: Aryel Llanzana, Title: Losing Battle “I painted roses, because my mom and my aunt loved roses, I selected pink as it represents breast cancer, the reason of my Aunt’s death 1 year ago. I added a human figure beside the vase, that figure shows emotions of sorrow and struggle. This is the pose I saw my mother sitting in her room when she found out that she had colon cancer. I will never forget that scenario she just sat in the corner of her room without any movement. I sat there thinking how I should help or talk to her. This is my tribute to her losing battle!”
The Oman Cancer Association (formerly known as the National Association of Cancer Awareness) founded by cancer survivor The Hon. Yuthar Al-Rawahy recently celebrated their 10th anniversary. The organization has had a number of flagship projects that include the mobile mammography service that has screened more than 6,000 ladies in the past 2 years gaining recognition from His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said and the United Nations.
Dar Al Hanaan is also another notable scheme providing full board and lodging, a shuttle service, psychological and educational support for children with cancer and their families who live outside Muscat; that has had a positive impact on the management of their disease.
Their next big enterprise will focus palliative care. Fund raising activities have included cancer survivors cycling from Muscat to Salalah, a solo kayak adventure along the coast of Oman and various fun runs. “Art 100×100” is an extension of these initiatives and hopes to raise awareness and funds to combat this disease with your support.
The Hon. Yuthar Al-Rawahy stated that “We appreciate everyone who volunteers to assist us with our work, all our stakeholders and philanthropic supporters and commend all those who fund-raise for us. Together we can make a meaning difference to our society. The Oman Cancer Association would like to thank Ibrahim Gailani for this initiative, all the artists involved, the selection committee as well the Major Sponsors – Bait Al Zubair Museum and Oman Arab Bank and Media Sponsors – Times of Oman and Al Shabiba”.
Sarah White Museum Director and Arts Advisor at Bait Al Zubair concluded by saying, “We are delighted to support this important cause that combines our socio-cultural interests. Promoting awareness and fund-raising for the noble aims of Oman Cancer Association and exposing Oman’s creative visual arts community to a wider audience.”
(The selection committee (L to R): Jennie Eden, Ibrahim Gailani, Yousuf Al Nahwi and Fahad Al Hasni)
The exhibition at Bait Al Zubair Museum in Muscat will be inaugurated by HH Sayyid Faisal bin Turki Al Said, Director General of Marketing and Media, for the Public Authority for Investment Promotion and Export Development on the 8th January at 7.30pm. It will be open to the public from the 9th-10th January from 9.30am-6.00pm. All the paintings must be sold and have affordable prices – so support the fight against cancer and visit the show – you may pick up a good art piece whilst contributing to this worthy cause! May God bless this worthy initiative!
Andy in Oman 