Latest news with #ZawraqGroup
Observer
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- 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
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.
