Oman is set to host its inaugural contemporary art festival, “Raneen,” from November 21 to 30, 2024, in the historic town of Muttrah. Organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth, this ten-day event aims to celebrate Oman’s rich cultural heritage through a modern artistic lens.
Event Overview
“Raneen” will feature a diverse lineup of 20 artists, including 13 local talents and 7 international figures, alongside 8 solo musicians. The festival’s programming includes exhibitions, installations, and performances across three venues in Muttrah, offering attendees a multifaceted cultural experience.
Artistic Highlights
The festival seeks to reinterpret Oman’s architectural heritage, reflecting the unique character of Muttrah and its historical significance. Participants include:
- Azra Akšamija and MIT Future Heritage Lab (Austria – United States)
- Created “Abundance & Scarcity,” a cultural shelter using recycled materials, reflecting desert climates and nomadic culture.
- Ammar Alkiyumi (Oman)
- Architect and artist inspired by Mutrah’s sea-breakers, showcasing architectural identity and individuality.
- Bashair Faqir (Oman)
- Her work, “Childhood Home,” reflects nostalgia, exploring childhood memories and family bonds.
- Clive Gracey (UK-Oman)
- Photographs forgotten interiors in Oman, capturing memories of past lives and eras.
- Elina Brotherus (Finland)
- Known for works that merge personal and historical perspectives, exploring human figures in architectural spaces.
- Haitham Al Busafi (Oman)
- Focuses on immersive experiences blending art, architecture, and technology, inspired by Mutrah.
- Huria Al Harassi (Oman)
- Emphasizes experimentation across digital and traditional art, blending urban design with personal expression.
- Isra Mahmood Al Balushi (Oman)
- Conceptual artist exploring urbanism and nostalgia, reflecting on Mutrah’s transformation over three decades.
- John Meirion Rea (Wales, United Kingdom)
- Sound artist creating a composition blending Omani sounds with original music, fostering cultural exchange.
- Khadija Al Maamari (Oman)
- Her work, “Circles of Time,” portrays social connections’ evolution, from unity to fragmentation.
- Laurenz Theinert (Germany)
- Light artist known for immersive “visual piano” performances, collaborating with Omani musicians.
- Luke Jerram (UK)
- Creator of the “Museum of the Moon,” a touring lunar sculpture that inspires global engagement and science awareness.
- Mahmood Al Zadjali (Oman)
- Photographer documenting payphones’ historical role in Oman, connecting present viewers with nostalgic communication.
- Marwa Al Bahrani (Oman)
- Installation artist exploring themes of identity and memory through colorful acrylic glass structures.
- Moath Alofi (Saudi Arabia)
- Photographs rural mosques along pilgrimage routes, documenting Saudi heritage and Islamic tradition.
- Radhika Khimji (Oman)
- Created interactive seating installations, inviting public engagement and self-expression through design.
- Ruqaiya Mazar (Oman)
- Multidisciplinary artist exploring subconscious connections between objects, culture, and memory.
- Seif Kousmate (Morocco)
- Photographer documenting the ecological and social shifts in Moroccan oases, emphasizing environmental challenges.
- HH Sayyida Tania al Said (Oman)
- Developed “Unity in Diversity,” a mural celebrating Oman’s cultural inclusiveness and shared heritage.
- Tariq AlHajri (Oman)
- Visual artist creating nostalgic 8mm films capturing fading traditions of his hometown, Sur.
- Makan Studios (Oman)
- Artist-run space in Muscat fostering creativity and cultural exchange, offering workshops and art events.
Cultural Significance
“Raneen” represents a significant milestone in Oman’s cultural landscape, providing a platform for both local and international artists to engage with the country’s heritage through contemporary art. The festival aims to revitalize historical sites in Muttrah, infusing them with new life through visual and audio arts.
For Artists and Enthusiasts
For artists and art enthusiasts, “Raneen” offers a unique opportunity to experience a fusion of traditional and modern artistic expressions. The festival’s diverse programming and international participation make it a noteworthy event in the Middle Eastern art scene.
As “Raneen” approaches, it promises to be a vibrant celebration of art and culture, marking a new chapter in Oman’s artistic journey.
