Venice Biennale, Oman presents its pavilion: showcasing the country's cultural heritage

The Sultanate of Oman, positioned on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, has unveiled its national pavilion for the 60th International Art Exhibition - La Biennale di Venezia, scheduled from April 20 to November 24, 2024. Oman is in its second participation in the Biennale. In keeping with this year’s theme of the Art Biennale, Foreigners Everywhere - Foreigners Everywhere, curated by Adriano Pedrosa, artists from diverse backgrounds have come together to express the essence of Oman’s multicultural heritage. The exhibition at the Navagero Palace in Venice, titled Malath-Haven and curated by artist and gallerist Alia Al Farsi, features new artworks by contemporary Omani artists, including Alia Al Farsi herself, Ali Al Jabri, Essa Al Mufarji, Sarah Al Olaqi and Adham Al Farsi.

Oman’s Cultural Mission.

Oman is the oldest independent state in the Arab world and is ruled by the Sultan of Oman, Haitham bin Tariq Al Said. The Ministry of the Arts’ responsibilities include fine arts, theater, music, and film, with the overall goal of enhancing national and international engagement through world-class exhibition programs, festivals, and international cultural exchanges. As Oman’s official arts center, the Society’s role is to sponsor and raise awareness of the fine arts, enrich Omani and Arab culture and heritage, protect the rights of artists, encourage the young generation of emerging artists, and strengthen relations with members of the broader Arab and international cultural community. Government support for the Oman Pavilion at the Venice Biennale 2024 is another important step in the Ministry’s overall mission to support the visual arts in Oman and strengthen its position within the global cultural community.

“We are delighted to return to this enchanting city for the second time, showcasing our nation’s rich artistic heritage. Our project will feature a diverse set of contemporary artworks created by talented Omani artists. In addition, the Ministry is committed to promoting artistic development nationwide through various programs in line with the Venice Expo. The participation of the Sultanate of Oman in the International Art Exhibition is of significant importance within the framework of intercultural dialogue and diversity of human interaction,” said Sayyid Saeed Al Busaidi, Commissioner, Undersecretary for the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth.

“The four selected artists representing the Sultanate of Oman at the 60th International Art Exhibition of the Venice Biennale have each made noteworthy and commendable contributions to their communities, effectively revitalizing Oman’s contemporary art scene during their careers. Their impact extends beyond their artistic endeavors, serving as inspiration for new generations of artists,” said Alia Al Farsi, Curator of the Pavilion of the Sultanate of Oman at the 60th International Art Exhibition - La Biennale di Venezia.

Al Farsi’s artistic career includes participation in numerous exhibitions, both locally and internationally. She was a keynote speaker at the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in 2023, where she contributed to a virtual discussion on Fine Arts scenes in Oman and the UAE. Her work has been shown in prestigious exhibitions around the world, such as the KunstRai exhibition in Amsterdam in 2022, and she had the honor of exhibiting her work on the world’s largest permanent screen in Dubai, UAE, in 2022. Al Farsi held a solo exhibition at 15 Gallery in Riyadh in 2021, demonstrating his artistry. His international presence extends to the London Global Art Fair “Art 15” in 2015 and London Arabia Art and Fashion Week in 2017. The artist’s involvement in the global art scene is further emphasized by his participation in the First International Symposium in Morocco in 2016. Another significant collaboration was his solo exhibition entitled “Strings & Love” together with renowned writer Ahlam Mosteghanemi in Geneva in 2015. This wide range of experiences demonstrates Alia Al Farsi’s commitment to pushing boundaries and making a mark in the contemporary art world.

Image: Venice, Navagero Palace

Venice Biennale, Oman presents its pavilion: showcasing the country's cultural heritage

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