‘The Melody of Beauty’, which opened earlier this month at Gallery Sarah, marks Omani artist, Raya Al Manji’s first solo exhibition. A highly realistic painter and an accomplished artist, Raya has been a member of The Omani Society of Fine Arts since 2002; a member of the Kuwait Fine Art Association since 2012 and a member of the Taiwan Artist Residency.
Her focus revolves around still life of Omani objects as well as landscapes and figurative painting. These works reflect the influence of a rich culture of Omani heritage, a passion for fantasy and Raya’s appreciation for classical music. Using her unique vision and great draftsmanship Raya is able to use her skills to capture moments of the true beauty of Oman with vivid reality. As a self-taught full time artist, expressing her vision of the world through paint is her primary goal. Her works reflect a harmony between the significance of her environment, nature and natural elements, as well as her ability to pull every detail of her stunning paintings together like a beautiful melody.
Raya was the first Omani artist to participate in an international artist residency in Taiwan at the Taipei Treasure Hill Artist Village, she has also exhibited in various group exhibitions in Oman, Europe, Africa and South America and has an illustration published in the American book: ‘My Very Own World Adventure’ published by ‘I See Me! Inc. USA’.
Located in the historical part of Old Muscat and part of the Bait Al Zubair Museum complex, Gallery Sarah is a unique contemporary art gallery, which opened its doors in 2013. The gallery exhibits artworks including, but not limited to paintings, graphics, calligraphy, installations, sculpture and photography. Apart from trying to create a strong connection between established and emerging Omani artists and the international art world, Gallery Sarah also supports and has an appreciation for work by a wide variety of talented Arab artists from around the Gulf and international artists.
The Melody of Beauty will be on display from the 10th of October till the 2nd of November 2016 from 9.30am till 6pm, Saturday till Thursday at Gallery Sarah at Bait Al Zubair.
