Reflecting The Omani and Global Islamic History in the Artistic Production

By- Ruqaya Al Kindi (@ruqaya.alkindi)

A Journey Through Islamic-Inspired Visual Art

Artist Juma Al-Harthy takes you on an enjoyable visual journey through his paintings, which reflect Islamic art associated with architecture, calligraphy, decoration, engravings, doors, windows, textile art, and silverwork.

The Jibreen Icon: A Historical Masterpiece

The artwork (Jibreen Icon) consists of two paintings inspired by Jibreen castle. It takes you on a historical journey around the stories of the Omani people and the treasures of the castle like painted decorations and engraved inscriptions on the doors, and the drawings on the castle’s walls. Jibreen Icon artwork has a political, cultural, and social dimension. “Using the style of the abstract and impressionist schools, my brushes immortalized aspects of public life in Jibreen village in the past, such as the jewelry of wealthy women, some of the vessels, decorations, and tools used in astronomy,” he noted. He added that, “The ship’s rudder in the center of the painting symbolizes the leader Imam Balarab bin Sultan Al Yaarubi, who built Jibreen castle in the Wilayat Bahla- Dakhiliyah Governorate in 1670 AD. The fort was designed to be a palace for him. The Ministry of Tourism and Heritage restored and furnished the castle in 1982 AD, opening it to visitors. Jibreen castle was a scientific and religious gathering place, and many scholars and Sheikhs graduated from it.” He furthermore that he was inspired by the Inscriptions scattered throughout the castle, such as those found in ceilings of the “Sun Room” and the “Moon Room”, as well as the Inscriptions on the doors at the entrance to the castle.

Artistic Roots in Omani Culture

Juma’s artistic journey has been linked to his love for the Sultanate of Oman, his cultural affiliation to it, and the great historical and cultural treasures it contains. “I am dazzled by the neighborhoods and their old houses, including their decorated doors and ceilings, and the inscriptions engraved on most parts of the door. These small details have always been striking to me, like a mysterious secret that no one had discovered before me,” he mentioned. Juma doesn’t just roam in the neighborhoods, but, as he said, “I used to contemplate them and their artistic and architectural details. When I decided to open my lens to capture these details, my artistic sense prompted me to create designs that mimic the doors and restore their luster once again. The result was collections of artworks rich in unique details that dazzled people with all their cultures, visions, and experiences.”

The Artistic Language of Motifs

• Geometric motifs: Repetition and symmetry in doors, windows, and walls.
• Plant motifs: Tree leaves and flowers, symbolizing connection with nature.
• Arabic calligraphy: Decoration through script reflecting Islamic culture.

He furthermore stated that “Many of the decorations and inscriptions found in ancient Omani buildings reflect artistic styles influenced by other cultures, such as East African countries, indicating cultural and commercial exchange with those countries.”

Culture, Research, and the Power of Integration

Research, investigation, reading deeply about Omani and global Islamic history, integrating cultures into a single artwork, is what giving the artwork its strength, elegance, and profound content. Many foreigners and Arabs, therefore, are fascinated by Juma’s artistic output. “Islamic history and the arts created by Muslims in their homes, mosques, and palaces are an inexhaustible source of inspiration,” he noted.

Artistic Achievements and Global Vision

Juma has participated in many local and international forums and have many achievements. The “Olive Branch” project is the most prominent local project I worked on in the rooms of the Alila Jabal Akhdar Hotel (2015-2016). “The Olive branch is a symbol of the steadfastness of the Palestinian people on their land occupied by the Zionists since 1948. This steadfastness has not stopped yet, as Gaza is still facing the genocide since October 2023. Gaza right now suffering from a comprehensive siege that prevents people from obtaining food, drink, electricity, and relief aid in general,” he shared. Another notable achievement, as he added, “Was the acquisition of three of my artworks by an informal palace (personal) in France during the last year, in coordination with a Russian artist living in Sultanate of Oman.”

The Artist’s Inner World

A cup of tea and listening to the favorite classical music are enough to send the artist Juma into his own world, far from the hustle and bustle of the real life. For Juma, “Painting is a way to separate and escape from the reality and live in my own world. Painting resembles life that combining pleasure, amazement, and the ecstasy of accomplishment. Painting is a world where the artist experiences madness, imagination, calm, and noise, which helps him unleash his latent energy to create a sophisticated masterpiece after the suffering of searching and thinking,” he expressed.

Words of Wisdom for Young Artists

He advised novice artists to be patient in their artistic journey, to accept advice and constructive criticism, and to make research and questioning the keys for growth and development. He also advised them to not be conceited in their first win or success; as art is a difficult path and must be approached gently and thoughtfully through continued experimentation. Global recognition is one of Juma’s ambitions, alongside his aspire to devote himself to academic study in the art field and establish an art foundation to advance the art movement at Sultanet of Oman to a new level. He added, “I hope that the artistic movement will be revitalized by official bodies such as the Omani society for Arts and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth by establishing specialized art institutes that support young people and those interested in the arts, in addition to paying intensive attention to workshops, official exhibitions, competitions for youth groups, annual exhibitions and international forums.”