Muscat’s new art gallery, boutique

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Artists showcased pieces from their latest collections, and the overall

display takes visitors on a journey through various artistic styles and techniques of Omani-inspired art.

Artist showcasing art at alternative venues like coffee shops, boutiques, hotels and restaurants is a trend catching up. For the first time in the GCC, Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-

Carlton Hotel, has launched the new art gallery and boutique. The gallery features pieces of art from popular

artists of diverse background and inspirations. About seven artists have presently showcased their unique collection of art works with artists hailing from Russia, India and Oman, all currently living in Oman. The visitors are taken through a journey across

expressionism, realism or abstract using tools ranging from monograph to illustration, calligraphy or paintings.

The new gallery is planning to host its maiden exhibition soon.Adnan Al Raisi, Alia Farsi, Suad Al Aufi, the artistes

from the Sultanate, along with Liubov Nikitina Silva and Anna Dudchenko from Russia and Radhika Hamlai from India have showcased works from their recent collection at the boutique.Nabil Al Zadjali, Al Bustan Palace Hotel manager

and incharge of the art boutique, says the hotel is committed to sharing authentic Omani experience with their guests. “The moment they step into the hotel and receive the Omani warm welcome with kahwa and dates, we take them on a journey through the Omani culture and traditions. Opening the art boutique is another step into this journey, with the idea of showcasing carefully selected collection of fine art by a variety of talented Omani

The art boutique is being brought together

in collaboration with Anna Dudchenko, the art curator,

and aims at showcasing a vast array of artistic movements representing the growing, talented Omani art scene

Liju Cherian

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and international artists based in the Gulf,” he says.Nabil who personally supervised the

project says the response received for the new venture has been positive and guests are both interested and curious about the display. The initiative is being brought together in

collaboration with Anna Dudchenko, the art curator, and aims at showcasing a vast array of artistic movements representing the growing, talented Omani art scene. The art on display has been carefully

selected by the curator who looked for established and emerging Omani and international talents having a foot in the local art scene. Artists showcased pieces from their latest collections, and the overall display takes visitors on a journey

through various artistic styles and techniques of Omani-inspired

art.Nabil and Anna admit there is an excellent response in Oman to any art-related events, be it an exhibition, art project, charity event, or art workshop. “The exhibitions are well attended, and most

of the artwork sells. There are a lot more

Omani artists on the scene now, more exhibitions being

organised, and a few new galleries and museums opened up in recent years,” echo the manager and the art curator.Says Omani artiste Alia Farsi about the

boutique: Al Bustan Palace Hotel is a true masterpiece and a symbol of Oman’s love for refined art. “I was therefore delighted to work with Anna on show casing some of my recent work which would suit the discerning tastes of the visitors of the hotel. I believe the diversity of the art offered would help provide both an overview of the depth of the art movement locally and also appeal to different tastes.” Farah Asqul, says as an Omani artist it is

great to have exposure in an internationally renowned hotel. “We need more platforms for artists in Oman to display their work to

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both local and international audiences and there is a brilliant array of works to choose from at Al Bustan.” Russian artiste, Liubov Nikitina

Silva, who is new to Oman and has displayed her works, feels that it is important to embrace the surroundings. “I am influenced by the culture of the places I visit and find the authentic accessories of Omani culture rich in patterns and details that give a visual melody for me to ‘stop and stare.’ Through the series of my artworks, I have given homage to the intricate details and has expressed them in a different perspective with a blend of grey scale and subtle colours,” she emphasizes.

The boutique at Al Bustan, Nikitina feels, is

a better place to display artworks of culture than in

one of the oldest and most renowned monuments of the Sultanate.

Radhika Hamlai, an Indian artiste whose art works are displayed also feels privileged to be a part of the venture. “It is indeed a great venue for

displaying my work, as is open to tourist and locals who may not visit

the galleries and museums. I would like to thank those who have worked

towards making me a part of this project.” Nabil says the hotel is working closely with Anna,

who curated this unique collection, and plans to

Radhika Hamlai

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organize events with the artists in future, giving the guests an opportunity to meet them in person.Anna, who has been in the art business

since 2004 as an artist, curator, and consultant admits the current art scene in Oman is very diverse, but she always looks out for some unique pieces with a story behind them. “Our first display in the boutique includes

pieces of various artistic styles, such as figurative, abstract, naive art, modern calligraphy, abstract mosaics, exclusive tattoo drawings, but done on wooden pieces; ceramics and surrealistic art. Considering that our main clientele are the hotel guests and travelers, the artworks were chosen with a purpose of educating visitors about the current artistic developments in Oman and building memories related to their trips to a beautiful country rich in heritage and traditions,” she mentions. The boutique opened towards the end of

2015 and still some final touches are being done in order to improve it. Other related items on display include original paintings and drawings, limited edition prints, mosaics, ceramics, fine crafts, and other unique art pieces by established and emerging Omani artists. Guests can also find a variety of gift items, carefully selected by the Al Bustan Palace Hotel.The boutique has plans to hold art events

later year, where the guests along with the local residents get to meet the artists and find out more about the local art scene. Art displays will be regularly changed so

as to expose the guests towards a variety of styles and techniques, and provide an opportunity to some talented Omani artists to showcase their art.The collection is open to public daily, and

is located on the first floor of the hotel in the Al Bustan Palace Shops Gallery. Sumaiya and Rashid work as the Omani hosts at the boutique. Timings are from 10 am to 7 pm with direct telephone number 24764211.

Farah Asqul, says it is great to have exposure in

an internationally renowned hotel. “We need more platforms for artists to display their work to both local and international

audiences and there is a brilliant array of works to choose

from at Al Bustan.”

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