Artist extraordinaire, Joana Mollet was raised in Portugal and went on to study in the UK. Having been active in Muscat’s art scene since 2017, in 2018 she had a sell-out solo exhibition at the Centre Franco-Omanais. She is currently gearing up for her second solo show, titled ‘Coastline: Community and Conservation’, set to take place at Bait Al Baranda Museum, from 1–11 April, 2020.
Art is her world. At an early age, she began spending hours drawing her observations and from her imagination. “When I practise my art today, I am exactly in the place I was then, except with the skills that come with 40 years of experience,” she remarks. All these years later, painting is still full of surprises and discoveries for her.
Joana Mollet’s art speaks volumes of the inspiration she draws from nature. Her fascination lies in the vitality of shapes and forms in nature and the rhythms and reflections found around us.
“Through my painting I seek to remind the viewer of our emotional attachment to the natural world. By rekindling our attachment to nature we can connect to an infinite source of inspiration and well being. I would like my work to serve as a call to action – to actively seek out these connections and to be active in conserving the natural world. This will be the main focus of my upcoming exhibition.”
Oman’s natural diversity has also inspired her work greatly – she draws from its varied textures and colours to create a visual language in her work.
Her upcoming exhibition ‘Coastline: Community & Conservation’ will be in collaboration with the Environmental Society of Oman (ESO), supported by Hud Hud Travels and other actors in the community. “As the name suggests, I am aiming to bring the community together in an effort to bring attention to the problem of beach litter and contribute to the conservation of our beautiful beaches,” she explains. The exhibition will feature a series of her semi-abstract landscapes celebrating the beauty of Oman’s coastline. The paintings will stand in contrast to two installations made from beach litter created with the children from Zahraa Primary School in Muttrah.
Excited for the future, Joana Mollet aspires to be able to continue using her voice as an artist to encourage people to connect with nature in a meaningful way and to bring attention to the need to conserve the planet.
Up Close & Personal with Joana Mollet
The home I grew up in…
Has a wonderful big garden filled with tropical and sub-tropical plants. It’s a haven for birds. It inspired me to appreciate the natural world from an early age
When I was a child I wanted to…
See the world! And I was able to fulfill that dream. I have worked, lived and travelled in Europe, South America, Africa, Asia and now the Middle East.
My greatest inspiration…
Artistically, I admire Henri Rousseau. His paintings are very crisp and detailed and I’m in awe of his skill. I am also fascinated by the women artists of abstract expressionism, especially Joan Mitchell and Grace Hartigan
My hero…
David Attenborough. He has brought the wonders of the natural world into everyone’s living rooms. Also, I love the way he tells a story. He’s like everybody’s grandfather, telling wonderful stories about our planet.
If I could change one thing about myself…
I would be better at managing my time!
I dream of…
Painting a huge mural one day
It’s not fashionable, but…
I’m a huge fan of the BBC World Service
You may not know it but I’m no good at…
Baking; following rules meticulously is not in my nature. I’ve made some pretty disastrous creations….ask my kids!
You may not know it but I’m very good at…
Cooking. I love to cook foods from all around the world.
If I have time to myself…
I love to read and practise yoga.
If I have time to myself…
I love to read and practise yoga.
My house is…
Filled with simple treasures found on my travels and on the beaches of Oman. I have a huge dried coconut flower in my studio that I found on Shatti beach and whale bones from Khalouf…they are natural souvenirs that inspire me
My favourite holiday destination…
It’s hard to choose! I love to be in remote and wild places
My favourite weekend spot in Oman…
Masirah! As a family we love to explore beaches; each one is unique
Things I like about Oman…
The total freedom we have to go out and explore – it’s a beautiful ‘no boundaries’ country and so varied! Also the people are so friendly and generous everywhere you go
A book that changed me…
All the books I have read have given me something and contributed to my understanding of so many things
On top of my wish/bucket list is…
Visiting Antarctica with my family
My success mantra is…
If at first you don’t succeed, try again
In 10 years’ time, I hope to be…
Healthy, happy and still working on my art!
