ART EXHIBITION AT BAIT MUZNA GALLERY (OMAN) ‘15/15’ Marks 15 Years of Creativity

The exhibition title '15/15' has been derived from the fact that both Bait Muzna Gallery and the artist himself celebrate 15th anniversary of work and creativity.

Since this is the first time Sabah Arbilli is presenting his work to Oman public the artist shared with us that Oman is an exciting venture for him as many of his friends in Oman haven't had the opportunity to travel and see his work.

From the opening of the exhibition, L-R: HH Sayyida Susan Al Said, (Owner), HH Sayyid Kamel bin Fahd bin Mahmoud Al-Said (Assistant Secretary General for the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister of Cabinet Affairs), Sabah Arbilli (Artist), Mr. Saad Musa Al Jenaibi (General Manager - Qatar National Bank - Oman) / Courtesy of the Artist

"This was my first time to exhibit in a solo exhibition in Muscat. HH Sayida Susan, the Gallery owner of Bait Muzna Gallery had invited me to exhibit for their 15 years of gallery opening celebrations and I felt humbled with the opportunity and agreed to participate with my new collection." says Arbilli.

Sabah Arbilli infront of his painting / Courtesy of the Artist

'Peace Departure' is one of many monumental works that Sabah Arbilli created. One of them being the 7m high stainless steel sculpture on the Corniche in Qatar.

"The installation is made of charred pieces of wood, which are burnt, leaving a trace still smelling of smoke the process in its making. Each piece is carefully arranged as a vast mélange of broken letters. The black pieces leave a message for the viewer. ‘Peace Departure’ is talking about the tragic destruction of Iraq taking me back to a beautiful place with memories of buildings and monuments which became my childhood landmarks, now diminishing with blazing violence, destruction and horror. I wanted this piece to be significant to share my inner feelings of my homeland; it was a heartbreaking experience." Arbilli explains.

Sabah Arbilli working on the ‘Peace Departure’ installation / Courtesy of the Artist

Sabah Arbilli looking at the ‘Peace Departure’ installation / Courtesy of the Artist

To explain his creative flow, Arbilli told us "I portray what is in my heart and that is what makes the creative process take place. I envisage the lands which relate to the echo in my ear, taking me back to a place where I see harmony and tranquility. I see the forms of the letter all around me, waiting to unravel a meaning of hidden truth beneath the façade. I smell the place and sense my presence and belonging, which I capture to share with the audience.”

The titles for his work Arbilli chooses very carefully to indicate a deep thought, like ‘Invisible Idea’; ‘Unconscious Future’; ‘Membrane’; and ‘Perception’.

The exhibition '15/15' is on view until February 23, 2015 at Bait Muzna Gallery, Muskat in Oman.

Highlights from the Exhibition

Sabah Arbilli, Repulsive Purpose, mixed media on canvas, 138x132 cm / Courtesy of the Artist

Sabah Arbilli, Perception, mixed media on canvas, 138x132 cm / Courtesy of the Artist

Sabah Arbilli, The Silent Exclusion, mixed media on canvas, 138x132 cm / Courtesy of the Artist

Sabah Arbilli, Inverse, mixed media on canvas, 138x132 cm / Courtesy of the Artist

Sabah Arbilli, Cosmic, mixed media on canvas, 138x135 cm / Courtesy of the Artist

Sabah Arbilli / Left: Sentiment, mixed media on canvas, 140x140 cm / Right: Red Space, mixed media on canvas, 194x40 cm / Courtesy of the Artist

Bait Muzna Gallery

Bait Muzna Gallery was founded by HH Sayyida Susan Al Said in the old city of Muscat in 2000. The Gallery exhibits mixed media paintings, sculptures, photography, installation and conceptual art, showcasing both, established and emerging artists. Bait Muzna Gallery is committed to promoting culture and art within Oman, and placing Omani art on the international map, thus creating a connection between artists and the international art scene.

To learn more about Sabah Arbilli read the IAM interview: Exploring the Shapes and Curves of Arabic Letters