Latest news with #MemoryNetwork
Times of Oman
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Times of Oman
Oman Pavilion wins best artwork design award at London Design Biennale 2025
Muscat: The Oman Pavilion has won the Best Artwork Design Award at the London Design Biennale 2025 for its installation Memory Network by Haitham Al-Busaifi. The award was announced during the opening ceremony held at Somerset House in London. The winning installation reflects the strategic vision of the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth to support artistic and intellectual creativity among Omani youth. Designed by architect and designer Haitham Al-Busaifi in collaboration with the Zawraq Group, the piece blends cultural heritage with contemporary design. Memory Network reinterprets traditional Omani pottery through transparent formations arranged to resemble digital data centers. The installation examines values and social connections, prompting reflection on what societies choose to preserve across generations. Aligned with the Biennale's theme, Surface Reflections, it poses global humanitarian questions on the value of memories and shared experiences. The installation also includes an interactive element, allowing visitors to contribute their own memories and reflections, which are digitally integrated into the exhibit. This marks Oman's debut at the London Design Biennale, highlighting the Ministry's commitment to promoting Omani creativity on the global stage.
Times of Oman
01-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Times of Oman
Oman participates in London Design Biennale 2025
Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman is set to participate, for the first time, in London Design Biennale 2025 on 5 June with an artwork titled 'Memory Network' designed by Omani architect and designer Haitham Al Busaidi. The 'Memory Network' is presented under the artistic auspices of the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth. It bridges the past and present by reimagining traditional Omani pottery through a contemporary lens. Designer Haitham Al Busaidi presents transparent formations inspired by Omani pottery within a network that mimics data centers—now integral to our memories and knowledge. The work offers a visual meditation on how societies choose what to preserve across generations. Pottery-making was more than a craft; these were not merely functional tools but embodiments of core societal values: survival, community bonds, and the relationship with the environment. This artistic work features an interactive experience, inviting visitors to contribute their own memories to this digital network, creating interconnected repositories of human experiences. These contributions become part of a living archive, prompting essential questions: What do we consider precious today?
Observer
25-03-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman debuts at London Design Biennale
MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman is set to make its first-ever appearance at the prestigious London Design Biennale 2025, a global platform celebrating creativity and innovation in design. Representing Oman at this renowned event is 'Memory Network', an artwork by Omani architect and designer Haitham al Busafi, which will be showcased on June 5. This participation is a significant step in the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth's broader efforts to highlight Oman's cultural heritage and artistic contributions on the international stage. It aligns with the Sultanate of Oman's Cultural Strategy 2021-2040, aimed at transforming Oman's cultural landscape into a hub of creativity and innovation. Sayyid Said bin Sultan al Busaidy, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for Culture, emphasised the importance of Oman's participation, stating that it provides a valuable opportunity to present the nation's rich cultural identity through contemporary design. He noted that the London Design Biennale serves as a platform for cultural dialogue, fostering collaborations between Omani and international designers while allowing Oman to engage with a global audience. To ensure a compelling and well-curated presence at the event, the Ministry has commissioned the Zawraq Collective to oversee Oman's pavilion. The collective selected Haitham al Busafi as the lead designer, entrusting him with the creative direction of the pavilion. At the heart of Oman's showcase is 'Memory Network', a piece inspired by the country's deep-rooted pottery heritage. The artwork explores the intellectual transition from tangible heritage to digital preservation, raising thought-provoking questions about the evolving notions of value and the legacy we leave behind for future generations. By incorporating traditional influences into a contemporary design narrative, 'Memory Network' captures the essence of Oman's past while reflecting on its future. Founded in 2016 by Sir John Sorrell and Ben Evans, the London Design Biennale is a globally recognised platform that brings together designers, cultural institutions and creative thinkers from around the world. The event fosters cross-cultural collaborations and highlights the role of design in shaping a sustainable and interconnected world. Since its inception, the Biennale has attracted top-tier international talent, with countries and institutions presenting groundbreaking design concepts that spark meaningful conversations about innovation and progress. Oman's participation in this event reaffirms its growing influence in the arts and design sector, demonstrating its commitment to using culture as a tool for international engagement and sustainable development. By joining the global dialogue on design, Oman continues to position itself as a key player in cultural diplomacy and artistic expression. - ONA
Arab News
24-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Oman to to take part in London Design Biennale for first time
LONDON: Oman will participate in the London Design Biennale, one of the most prestigious events of its kind in the world, for the first time this year. Omani architect Haitham Al-Bousafi will showcase a work titled 'Memory Network' at event venue Somerset House in central London, overlooking the River Thames, the Oman News Agency reported. The country is participating at the biennale as part of its efforts to showcase Omani culture and heritage on a global stage as part of Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth initiatives, officials said. Oman's cultural strategy for 2021-2040 aims to foster innovation and cultural diversity through the promotion of the arts and design as pathways to sustainable development and creative communication, the news agency added. The 5th London Design Biennale will run from June 5 to 29.
Times of Oman
24-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Times of Oman
Oman to take part in London Design Biennale 2025
Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman is participating for the first time in London Design Biennale 2025, one of the world's most outstanding design events. On 5 June 2025, Oman will present an artwork titled 'Memory Network' designed by Omani architect Haitham Al Bousafi. Oman's participation in the event stems from efforts made by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth to highlight Omani culture and showcase Oman's cultural heritage in the global arena. The contribution reflects endeavours to transform the Omani cultural scene into a showcase for innovation and cultural diversity, in line with the ministry's Cultural Strategy 2021-2040. The Sultanate of Oman's participation in this global event reaffirms the country's distinguished cultural standing and its active role in promoting arts and design as means of sustainable development and cultural communication. -ONA
