Omani pavilion wins award at London Design Biennale
Muscat: Oman's pavilion – titled 'Memory Grid' – won the Best Design Award at the opening of the London Design Biennale 2025 last week. The recognition marks a significant achievement for the sultanate of Oman in its debut participation at the global cultural platform.
The pavilion has been designed by multidisciplinary artist Haitham al Busafi and curated by the Zawraq Collective. Commissioned by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, the project reflects the ministry's broader efforts to promote artistic and intellectual creativity among Omani youth.
'Memory Grid' explores the ideas of memory, value and preservation in a fast-changing world. Visitors are invited to observe how perception shifts with perspective, with meaning transforming depending on how closely or distantly the work is viewed.
Drawing inspiration from Oman's pottery traditions, the installation reimagines ancient clay vessels – once vital for carrying water and connecting communities – as symbols of cultural memory. The pavilion presents these traditional forms as metaphors for protecting what is valued, both in the past and present.
Haitham al Busafi with his award
In a modern context, the installation proposes that data is the new essential resource – requiring safeguarding much like water once did. Through the immersive experience, visitors are encouraged to reflect on how heritage, knowledge and identity are passed through generations.
The project represents how traditional symbols can guide modern questions about preservation. The win at the Biennale highlights Oman's increasing engagement with contemporary art and design on a global stage.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth said the pavilion represents the strategic direction to elevate creative output by young Omanis to international platforms.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Observer
a day ago
- Observer
Omani flavours captivate Mark Wiens
It began with a brief visit in 2016, but something about Oman lingered in the memory of Mark Wiens, the world-renowned travel and food vlogger and a full time travel eater. Known for his passionate reactions, on-the-ground street food adventures and a deep respect for culinary traditions, the American-born YouTuber has documented food cultures from across the globe. Years later, it was Muscat-based foodie and culture enthusiast Ahmed al Lawati who convinced Mark to return — this time, for an immersive gastronomic journey that would spotlight the heart and soul of Oman. 'Oman has incredible natural beauty, but remains one of the Gulf's best-kept secrets,' said Ahmed, who personally curated the itinerary. 'I wanted to show Mark the side of Oman that's not about luxury hotels, but about wadis, hidden villages and food that tells a story.' Mark Wiens helping to make Omani halwa in Nizwa Their journey took them from Salalah's green landscapes in the south to the golden deserts of Dhofar and all the way back to the bustle of Muscat's traditional eateries. Along the way, they sampled shuwa — a festive, slow-cooked lamb delicacy buried underground and cooked for hours — as well as madhbi, rice and grilled meat served hot off stones. Mark was visibly moved. 'The word that comes to mind is 'genuine',' he said. 'Omani people are genuinely friendly and hospitable. And the food? It's incredible.' Known for drawing millions of views per video, Mark captures more than just food — he tells stories. And in Oman, he found one worth sharing. Guided by Ahmed's local insight, he participated in age-old cooking traditions, joined villagers in preparation rituals and tasted spice-rich dishes influenced by centuries of trade and heritage. 'Food is food,' said Ahmed. 'But the preparation journey, the story behind it, is what makes Omani cuisine unforgettable.' One of the most unforgettable moments was preparing shuwa outdoors in the desert. 'It's not just a dish — it's a celebration,' said Mark. 'The variations of shuwa across Oman are astounding. Each has a unique flavour profile, yet all carry the essence of togetherness.' They also explored lesser-known dishes like paplo, a comforting rice-and-meat blend and maleh salad, made from dried, marinated fish. 'Paplo deserves international recognition,' Ahmed remarked. 'It's simple yet layered with flavour.' Mark, who has tasted everything from Thai street food to Tanzanian nyama choma, was especially impressed by Omani ingredients like dried lemons and date syrup. 'Dried lemons are my favourite. They perfume the dish in a way nothing else does,' he said. 'And Omani halwa — its complexity and craftsmanship blew me away.' The trip wasn't just about food — it was a cultural exchange. At every stop, Omanis recognised Mark, stopping him for selfies and thanking him for spotlighting their country. 'It showed us how powerful storytelling can be in promoting tourism and culture,' Ahmed noted. Global food blogger Mark Wiens and Ahmed al Lawati with freshly caught kingfish at Muttrah fish market Their collaboration aligns naturally with Oman's tourism vision: showcasing the Sultanate of Oman not just as a scenic escape, but as a living, breathing archive of traditions, tastes and tales. 'Videos like these are not only visual treats but tools for education and cultural exchange,' said Ahmed. Back in Bangkok, Mark reflects on the journey with warmth. 'You travel for food, but it's really about the people you meet along the way,' he said. 'Sharing meals, stories and laughter — that's the real journey.' And Oman? 'I brought back dates and halwa,' he smiled, 'but I'm already planning my return. There's so much more to discover.'
Observer
2 days ago
- Observer
Oman participates in London Design Biennale 2025
LONDON: The Sultanate of Oman is participating in London Design Biennale 2025, which runs until June 29. Oman's contribution is represented by the creative artwork Memory Grid by engineer and designer Haitham al Busafi, which won the award for best design at this global exhibition. The participation aligns with the efforts of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth to showcase Omani culture globally and transform Oman's cultural landscape into a hub of creativity and cultural diversity, in line with the executive plan of the Cultural Strategy 2021–2040. Ibrahim bin Saif Bani Oraba, Assistant Director-General of Arts, emphasised that the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth has developed its vision through ambitious plans to position Oman as a leader in various cultural fields internationally. This stems from the foundations of Oman Vision 2040 and the Cultural Strategy, which serves as a strategic framework for the nation's cultural endeavours. Through its participation in the London Design Biennale 2025, the ministry ensured a distinctive presence in every detail, including a pivotal role for Omani youth in this global platform. Engineer and designer Haitham al Busafi was selected to create the artwork, while Zawraq Group — a youth-led small and medium enterprise — was appointed as the pavilion's evaluator. Eng Al Busafi expressed profound pride and gratitude upon receiving the Best Design Award for Memory Grid as Oman's representative at the London Design Biennale 2025. He described the moment as a historic achievement for Oman, embodying the nation's heritage and contemporary vision where tradition meets innovation. He explained that Memory Network is an immersive installation featuring transparent, machine-crafted replicas of traditional Omani pottery arranged in a pattern reminiscent of data centres. Meanwhile, Za'eema al Adawi stated that selecting Zawraq Group as the artistic evaluator was both an opportunity and a tool for youth empowerment, enabling their representation at this major artistic forum. - ONA
Observer
2 days ago
- Observer
Floral artist fuses Ikebana with musical motifs
For over five decades, Muscat has been home to Devyani Sampat, a name that has quietly but elegantly blossomed in the Sultanate's artistic circles. A devoted practitioner of Ikebana — the refined Japanese art of flower arrangement — Devyani has spent more than 20 years translating emotion and inspiration into vibrant floral compositions, crafting not merely bouquets but meaningful expressions of life, rhythm, and culture. Ikebana, the traditional Japanese art of flower arranging, has a rich history dating back over a thousand years. Originating from Buddhist rituals, it evolved into an art form that emphasises harmony, balance, and simplicity. Its techniques emphasize minimalism and the natural beauty of flowers, stems, and leaves, often involving asymmetrical compositions that reflect the changing seasons and natural landscapes. Over the centuries, Ikebana has grown in popularity beyond Japan, recognised worldwide as a profound form of artistic expression and a meditative practice. Its global appeal lies in its capacity to foster mindfulness and artistic creativity, making it a fascinating method that combines aesthetics, philosophy, and a deep connection to nature. Today, Ikebana continues to evolve, integrating contemporary styles while honouring traditional principles, and remains an inspiring practice for many international flower enthusiasts. The Music of Flowers session held at the Muscat residence of Devyani Sampat The Music of Flowers session held at the Muscat residence of Devyani Sampat The Music of Flowers session held at the Muscat residence of Devyani Sampat The Music of Flowers session held at the Muscat residence of Devyani Sampat The Music of Flowers session held at the Muscat residence of Devyani Sampat In Oman, this passion for floral artistry is mirrored in the flourishing flower shop scene that has seen significant growth in recent years. The increasing popularity of floristry can be attributed to Oman's vibrant cultural landscape and a rising middle class eager to express personal style and hospitality through flowers. Small boutique florists and large floral chains now dot cities like Muscat and Salalah, offering everything from traditional Omani arrangements to modern bouquets. These shops often source local blooms, such as desert roses, Jasmine, and frangipani, blending native flora with imported varieties to create diverse and culturally resonant displays. The intricacies involved in Oman's floral trade reflect a deep appreciation of colour, seasonality, and symbolism. For instance, the use of specific flowers during festivals or weddings carries cultural significance; white flowers may symbolize purity, while marigolds are used in celebratory arrangements. Many shop owners and floral designers pride themselves on their ability to curate bespoke arrangements that honour Omani traditions while embracing contemporary trends. Training and mentorship programmes are increasingly popular, helping elevate the skill level of budding florists and ensuring the preservation of intricate, culturally meaningful techniques. The Music of Flowers session held at the Muscat residence of Devyani Sampat The Music of Flowers session held at the Muscat residence of Devyani Sampat The Music of Flowers session held at the Muscat residence of Devyani Sampat The Music of Flowers session held at the Muscat residence of Devyani Sampat The Music of Flowers session held at the Muscat residence of Devyani Sampat Devyani Sampat's journey is a testament to this cultural richness, as her floral artistry intertwines Western techniques with local influences, demonstrating the growing global interconnectedness of floral design. At the heart of her vision lies a commitment to fostering creativity and cultural exchange through floral design. Her latest initiative—a thematic arrangement session hosted at her Shatti al Qurum residence—reflected this ethos beautifully. Titled 'The Music of Flowers,' the exhibition saw her Frangipani Flower Arrangement Group reimagine musical instruments such as the tabla, violin, flute, sarangi, and keyboard using floral foam and delicate petals. Around 20 flower enthusiasts participated in the session with great enthusiasm. Some pieces ingeniously incorporated everyday objects: an old CD cover was transformed into a textured base using strips of Washington Palm leaf, woven through a traditional technique. Unlike conventional exhibitions, the arrangements were crafted by members from their homes and later displayed collectively — a gesture that underlined the group's belief in collaborative learning. The interactive nature of the session saw participants not only presenting their work but also exchanging insights and techniques in a vibrant environment of mutual appreciation and discovery. Devyani, who has been teaching Ikebana in Muscat for over a decade and heading the Frangipani Flower Arrangement Group since 2009, believes that floral art is not simply decorative — it is a way to connect with nature and community. Her creative sessions often revolve around unifying themes, and a new exhibit inspired by Omani cultural elements is already in the works for November. 'Knowledge should flow like a river, not remain stagnant like a pond,' she says — a philosophy she brings to life through every petal, stem, and structure she teaches. Her approach is rooted in nurturing creativity, compassion, and harmony, all essential tenets of Ikebana. The Music of Flowers session held at the Muscat residence of Devyani Sampat The Music of Flowers session held at the Muscat residence of Devyani Sampat The Music of Flowers session held at the Muscat residence of Devyani Sampat The Music of Flowers session held at the Muscat residence of Devyani Sampat A senior educator in the Sogetsu School of Ikebana, Devyani's journey in floristry began under the gentle guidance of the late Smt Leela Rajkumar. Since then, her artistry has taken root and flourished under the mentorship of international masters such as Poo (Thailand), Lesley (UK), Maryfransko (France), and Ms Madhu Shah (Australia). She has also mastered European floral techniques, which she shares during demonstrations and classes held both in the Sultanate of Oman and India. Beyond her teaching, Devyani has participated in global floral shows and is an active member of the world's foremost floral associations, including NAFA (National Association of Flower Arrangers), WAFA (World Association of Floral Artists), and the World Flower Council. Her involvement in these organisations not only broadens her artistic horizons but also allows her to bring international techniques and trends back to Oman, enriching the local floral culture. For Devyani, flowers are more than botanical beauties — they are a medium to interpret stories, emotions, and even melodies. Her dedication exemplifies how floral design can be a conduit for personal expression and cultural storytelling. She passionately advocates for the notion that floral artistry can unite communities, foster mindfulness, and celebrate cultural heritage. Oman's floral scene is also experiencing a renaissance driven by younger entrepreneurs who are blending traditional Omani motifs with contemporary floral styles. The rise of flower cafés and experiential floral workshops reflects a broader trend towards integrating nature-based art into daily life. These endeavours often incorporate local flora and craftsmanship, reinforcing the Sultanate's unique cultural identity. As Oman's cultural and artistic scene continues to bloom, Devyani's flower-led initiatives serve as a reminder of the intrinsic beauty and cultural symbolism within floral arrangements. Whether through the delicate lines of Ikebana, the vibrant bursts of celebratory bouquets, or community workshops that bring people together in creative expression, her work exemplifies how nature can be a powerful medium for storytelling, connection, and artistic exploration.
