The Sultanate of Oman unveils the artistic team for the 60th International Art Exhibition La Biennale di Venezia

Padiglione Centrale Giardini. Photography by Francesco Galli. Image courtesy of La Biennale di Venezia

The Sultanate of Oman has announced its second national Pavilion at the 60th International Art Exhibition - La Biennale di Venezia. The exhibition, titled "Malath-Haven," will run from April 20 to November 24, 2024.

Curated by artist and gallerist, Alia Al Farsi, the inaugural display in Venice showcases new artworks by prominent Omani contemporary artists Ali Al Jabri, Essa Al Mufarji, Sarah Al Olaqi, Adham Al Farsi, as well as Alia Al Farsi.

In line with the 2024 Biennale’s curatorial theme "Foreigners everywhere," the artists, hailing from various backgrounds, will present a body of work that captures the essence of Oman's multicultural legacy.

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The Sultanate of Oman at the 60th International Art Exhibition - La Biennale di Venezia

Palazzo Navagero, 2024 Castello 4147 30122 Venice
April 20 to November 24

Title: Malath-Haven
Commissioner: Omani Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for Culture
Curators: Alia Al Farsi
Participants: Alia Al Farsi, Ali Al Jabri, Essa Al Mufarji, Sarah Al Olaqi, Adham Al Farsi

His Excellency Sayyid Saeed Al Busaidi, Commissioner, Undersecretary for the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for Culture - Image courtesy of National Pavilion of the Sultanate of Oman, Venice Biennale. Photo: Asim Al Balushi

His Excellency Sayyid Saeed Al Busaidi, Commissioner, Undersecretary for the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for Culture, said: “We are delighted to return to this enchanting city for the second time, showcasing the rich artistic heritage of our nation. Our presentation will spotlight a diverse collection of contemporary artwork created by talented Omani artists. Additionally, the Ministry is committed to fostering artistic development nationwide through various programs aligned with the Venice Exhibition. The participation of the Sultanate of Oman in the International Art Exhibition holds significant importance within the framework of intercultural dialogue and human interaction diversity. As a platform renowned for its celebration of global artistic expression, the Biennale Arte offers Oman a unique opportunity to showcase its rich cultural heritage and artistic innovation on an international stage. Through participation, Oman contributes to fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation, promoting dialogue among diverse societies, and emphasizing the interconnectedness of humanity through the universal language of art. This engagement not only highlights Oman's commitment to cultural exchange but also strengthens bonds of cooperation and mutual respect among nations, ultimately enriching the global cultural landscape".

Alia Al Farsi, Curator of the Sultanate of Oman's Pavilion at the 60th International Art Exhibition - La Biennale di Venezia, said: "The four chosen artists representing the Sultanate of Oman at the 60th International Art Exhibition have each made noteworthy and commendable contributions to their communities, effectively revitalizing the contemporary art scene in Oman throughout their careers. Their impact extends beyond their artistic endeavours, serving as inspiration for new generations of artists."

Alia Al Farsi

Alia Al Farsi is curator and organiser of the Sultanate of Oman’s Pavilion at the 60th International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia. Al Farsi is a leading figure in Oman’s contemporary art sector. Al Farsi's has participated in numerous exhibitions, both at local and international levels. Notably, she was a keynote speaker at the UAE Embassy in 2023, where she contributed to a virtual panel discussion on the Fine Arts scene in Oman and the UAE. Her work has been showcased in prestigious exhibitions worldwide, such as the KunstRai exhibition in Amsterdam in 2022. Al Farsi held a solo exhibition at the 15 Gallery in Riyadh in 2021, demonstrating her artistic prowess. Her international presence extends to the London Global Art Fair "Art 15" in 2015 and the London Arabia Art and Fashion Week in 2017. The artist's involvement in the global art scene is further emphasized by her participation in the First International Symposium in, Morocco, in 2016. Another notable collaboration was her solo exhibition titled "Strings & Love" alongside renowned writer Ahlam Mosteghanemi in Geneva in 2015. This diverse range of experiences showcases Alia Al Farsi's commitment to pushing boundaries and making a mark in the contemporary art world.

After significant international experiences, the Sultanate of Oman announces its second participation in the Venice Biennale. What significance does this participation hold for Oman's cultural landscape?

Participating in renowned global events such as the Venice Biennale holds immense significance for Oman's cultural landscape. It represents a strategic opportunity for the Sultanate to elevate its cultural tourism sector and amplify the global visibility of its artists. By showcasing Omani talent on an international stage, our attendance at the Venice Biennale facilitates meaningful exchanges and collaborations with artists worldwide, fostering creativity and cultural dialogue, and challenging the stereotypes about the region's cultural heritage. We are keen to showcase the richness and diversity of Omani artistic expression and cultural vibrancy.

As the curator of the Sultanate of Oman's Pavilion, could you elaborate on the theme "Malath-Haven" and its significance within the context of Oman's cultural heritage and contemporary artistic expression?

"Malath-Haven" encapsulates a profound narrative within the context of Oman's cultural heritage. Malath in Arabic means "safe space", a harbour where travellers could find their own dimension where to rest and feel at home. This is exactly what Oman has been in the past centuries: a country where inclusivity and hospitality were significant commitments. My intention as curator was to use our local artistic talents to depict Oman as a haven throughout its history, providing shelter and a profound sense of belonging to individuals seeking refuge.

Can you provide insight into the selection process for the artists featured in the exhibition? What qualities or themes were prioritized in their works?

Throughout the curatorial journey, I have had the privilege of working alongside a dedicated team that has provided invaluable support and guidance. When selecting artists for the exhibition, we prioritised their ability to embody the theme of the Biennale: "Foreigners everywhere". As a team, we have identified the impact of foreigners throughout history, and each artist was chosen based on their capacity to reflect on specific shades of this impact, including language, food, architecture, attire, and arts. These themes were central to our vision of presenting a multifaceted exploration of our society's interconnectedness and diversity.

How do the artworks reflect Oman's multicultural legacy, as highlighted in the exhibition's concept?

The artworks featured in the exhibition reflect Oman's multicultural legacy by intertwining traditional roots with contemporary perspectives. The overarching theme of the exhibition is Oman's cultural heritage, which serves as a guiding thread throughout the diverse artworks. For example, Dr. Ali al Jabri's symbolic use of tree woods and local marble pays homage to Oman's natural landscape and traditional craftsmanship. Similarly, Sarah Al Olaqi's exploration of familial recipes speaks to the immigrant experience and the search for solace and belonging, echoing the diverse cultural influences present in Omani society. Essa Al-Mufarji's exploration of Arabic poetry and Adham Al Farsi's video art piece depicting the journey of a green turtle evoke profound reflections on immigration and the quest for home. These artworks delve into the complexities of identity and migration, highlighting the diverse experiences of individuals within Oman's multicultural society. Furthermore, my own contribution to the exhibition aimed to create a city where no one feels like a foreigner, fostering a space of inclusivity and boundless possibilities.

In what ways does the exhibition align with the curatorial theme of the 2024 Biennale, "Foreigners everywhere," and how does it contribute to the broader conversation on cultural diversity and exchange?

The Biennale's theme, "Foreigners Everywhere," has been an absolute inspiration. Together with my curatorial team and the artists, we undertook a collective journey that underscored our society's interconnectedness and embraced diverse perspectives. The decision to have multiple artists contributing to the installation as opposed to one, therefore a collective approach, was also made to respond to the theme, showcasing the abundance of artistic talent within our nation and their diverse creativity, yet highlighting the interconnectedness present in our society. I believe the presence of a collective of artists conveys a powerful message that our country is rich in artistic expression, boasting numerous promising talents capable of making a significant impact on the global art stage.

As curator of the Oman Pavilion, what is the purpose of your curatorial work inside the most significant and impactful Biennale in the world, and what impact are you aiming to accomplish as an Arab curator in Europe?

As an Arab and Omani creative and curator, my goal is to facilitate exchange, experimentation, and dialogue that can enrich both our personal and national culture. Curating the second edition of the Sultanate of Oman Pavilion at the Venice Biennale and contributing my art to the exhibition has been a privilege and filled me with honour. I intend to introduce an international audience to the richness and antiquity of Omani culture while challenging the stereotypes often associated with it. In a world filled with harsh judgments often devoid of reasonable thinking, I aim to prompt people to question their preconceptions and discover the multifaceted nature of Arab culture.

How do you envision the audience's reception of the exhibition, and what impact do you hope it will have on fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation?

I hope the exhibition will be well received, and the opportunity to be part of such an important stage like that of the Venice Biennale will increase the visibility of Omani artists but also open doors to greater recognition and collaboration opportunities. My main aspiration for the audience is to instill curiosity, highlight the diverse cultural expressions of the region, see Oman as the diverse, vibrant cultural hub it is, and encourage them to reconsider and contextualize their thoughts. I aspire to encourage people to challenge their preconceptions and explore the diverse facets of Arab culture.

*The Fate of Outsiders by Adham al-Farsi - Image courtesy of National Pavilion of the Sultanate of Oman, Venice Biennale. Photo Asim Al Balushi*

Artists at the Oman Pavilion at Venice Biennale

About Oman’s Cultural Mission

The Sultanate of Oman is located on the south-eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. Formerly a maritime empire, Oman is the oldest continuously independent state in the Arab world and is ruled by the Sultan of Oman, Haitham bin Tariq Al Said. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth is the governmental body in the Sultanate of Oman, responsible for promoting and preserving Omani culture and heritage, and it is the Commissioner of the Oman Pavilion in Venice. The Ministry’s responsibility for the arts comprises fine arts, theatre, music and cinema with the overall goal of enhancing national and international engagement through world-class programmes of exhibitions, festivals and international cultural exchange. The Omani Government has a long history of supporting culture. Investment in the country’s infrastructure to expand the visual arts sector started in the early 1960s with art education being made compulsory in schools, followed by the establishment of the British Council in Oman in 1972 to develop the cultural skills of young Omanis, the introduction of visual art programmes at universities and the establishment of the Omani Society for Fine Arts by the Government in 1993. As the official arts hub of Oman, the Society’s role is to sponsor and raise awareness of the fine arts, to enrich Omani and Arabic culture and heritage, protect artists' rights, to encourage the younger generation of upcoming artists and strengthen relationships with members of the wider Arabic and international cultural community.
In 2020 by Royal Decree, the separate Ministries of Art Affairs, Heritage and Culture, Sports and Youth amalgamated to create the Ministry of Culture Sports and Youth, led by His Highness Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham bin Tariq Al Said. The Government backing of the Sultanate of Oman’s Pavilion at Venice Biennale 2024 is another major step in the Ministry’s overall mission to support the visual arts in Oman and to reinforce its position within the global cultural community.

For more about Sultanate of Oman: visitoman.om

BIENNALE ARTE 2024: STRANIERI OVUNQUE - FOREIGNERS EVERYWHERE The 60th International Art Exhibition, curated by Adriano Pedrosa, is open from Saturday 20 April to Sunday 24 November at the Giardini and Arsenale venues. — **BIENNALE ARTE 2024: STRANIERI OVUNQUE - FOREIGNERS EVERYWHERE**
The 60th International Art Exhibition, curated by Adriano Pedrosa, is open from Saturday 20 April to Sunday 24 November at the Giardini and Arsenale venues.