The Significance of Omani Identity in the Works of Omani Painters

Authors

  • Fakhriya K N Al-Yahyai Sultan Qaboos University, Art Education Department, Oman

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18533/journal.v6i01.1070

Keywords:

Cultural Heritage, Identity, Oman, Omani Painters, Omani Fine Art Movement.

Abstract

The issue of identity has attracted interest from many researchers in different fields. In contemporary practice in the visual arts, identity is a unique subject. Artists in Oman are fortunate to be able to rely on a rich cultural heritage, which enables them to produce work that is based on the unique Omani identity. In addition, there are concerns that the effects of globalization and the removal of geographical borders between nations will lead to the importation of Western styles and symbolism into Omani art. Where this has happened in other parts of the Arab world, some of the unique features of Arab principles and cultural beliefs have disappeared. Thus, this study aims to highlight the symbolism and significance of identity in the works of Omani painters. It investigates the role of Omani painters in preserving Omani identity by using a descriptive analysis method to examine a sample of Omani artwork. The results of this study show that Omani artists are involved in expressing their perceptions of identity in a variety of ways using a range of related symbols.

Author Biography

  • Fakhriya K N Al-Yahyai, Sultan Qaboos University, Art Education Department, Oman

    Fakhriya Al-Yahyai is an associate professor of drawing and painting and a Head of Art Education Department at Sultan Qaboos University (Oman). Member of the International Museum of Women, San Francisco(USA), ,     member of the Omani Society for Fine Arts and the Youth Art Studio ( Oman). Made several sold and joint art exhibitions nationally and internationally. Al-Yahyai awarded several art prizes in different art shows at the national and international levels, such asthe Honorable Mention prizes in the 16th Asian Art Biennale Bangladesh 2014, Won in the international competition in Munich Art Festival, 2014, Chosen numbers of her artworks as part of the 3rd International week, USA, 2014, Won the Grand prize competition “small pieces” among the Omani artist, 2013, Received a prize for excellence in academic accomplishment in teaching, 2013, and Won in the international competition among world women artists at the International Museum of Women, San Francisco, USA for the "Muslim Women's Art & voices Exhibition", 2 February 2013.   as well as having been chosen to Judge and lead the highest standard national competitions in the country such as His Majesty Sultan Qaboos prize for Culture, arts and literature in the discipline of fine arts, 2012, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos prize for the Quality of Omani Handcrafts, 2010, and His Majesty Sultan Qaboos prize for the creative cultural. I was also privileged to participate in judging such prizes and others 19th art exhibitions and competitions in the country. Her research Interests are in teaching drawing & painting, post modernism, art & heritage, arts & Islamic Arabic identity, creative practices in arts, and visual culture in arts.

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2017-01-11

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