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Portrait of HM’s expression of
joy wins top prize in ‘Qaboos Oman’ contest
By Hasan Kamoonpuri
MUSCAT — The joyous expression of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos portrayed by
leading Omani artist Saud al Hunaini won top honours in the ‘Qaboos Oman’
painting contest. The Majan Ballroom at Al Bustan Palace Hotel was packed to
capacity and excitement rent the air. Everybody waited with bated breath at
the grand finale under the auspices of HH Sayyid Shihab bin Tareq al Said.
Indian artists Heena Kothary and T C Suresh won the second and third prize
respectively depicting the Royal grandeur of His Majesty the Sultan in their
paintings.
Fahad Abdullah al Zadjali, Adham Ismail Hamdan al Farsi and Nizar Khalid al
Mishrif were the other three artists among the six short-listed finalists
who received consolation prizes while all participants received certificates
of appreciation from the guest of honour. The high profile event was
attended by dignitaries, diplomats and senior government and private sector
officials. The competition, which created a buzz in the artistic circles,
was hosted by BankMuscat in association with the Omani Society for Fine Arts
on the occasion of the 39th National Day.
Shaikh AbdulMalik bin Abdullah al Khalili, Chairman, BankMuscat, said:
“BankMuscat is delighted to note that the ‘Qaboos Oman’ national painting
contest set in motion a unique celebration to mark the 39th National Day.
“BankMuscat always leads by example and the competition was a novel
initiative, which united the nation to reflect on the magnificent
development and progress achieved by the Sultanate during the past 39 years
under the vision of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos. In a befitting tribute to His
Majesty Sultan Qaboos, the outcome of this exercise has enriched the Omani
arts and culture.”
Over 200 artists participated in the competition at three branches of the
Omani Society for Fine Arts in Muscat, Salalah and Buraimi. Six paintings
were short-listed and judged by an expert panel constituted by the Omani
Society for Fine Arts alongside an SMS voting campaign for the top prizes.
The short-listed entries were displayed on popular websites to generate
nation-wide participation in the SMS voting process. AbdulRazak Ali Issa,
Chief Executive, BankMuscat, said: “This is the first time a competition of
this kind was launched in the Sultanate. For nearly three decades,
BankMuscat has launched several initiatives to unite the nation as a family.
The competition complemented
BankMuscat's involvement in national events and activities and we feel a
sense of deep pride in associating with artists to showcase their works as a
genuine tribute to His Majesty the Sultan. We are greatly encouraged by the
strong response to the competition, which has produced some outstanding work
of art.” Saud al Hunaini said the competition was a great initiative to mark
the 39th National Day. “I entered the competition not knowing that I will
win the top prize, but the intention was to come up with a genuine work of
art which will be an expression of our sincere thanks and appreciation to
His Majesty Sultan Qaboos for everything done for the country, the youth and
the field of fine arts.”
Al Hunaini added: “The photograph I chose was not an easy one to recreate,
especially the smiling face and sparkling eyes of His Majesty the Sultan. I
put my heart and soul into the painting and worked non-stop during the 8-day
competition. I used all my artistic skills to complete the painting with
satisfaction. I feel confident that I gave my best effort to produce a
realistic painting of His Majesty the Sultan.” “The opportunity for artists
to work together was a unique experience. We shared ideas and helped each
other, contributing to a fulfilling creative experience,” Al Hunaini said.
Maryam Mohammed al Zadjali, Director of the Omani Society for Fine Arts,
said: “The ‘Qaboos Oman’ competition has conveyed the nation’s feelings and
sentiment towards our beloved leader His Majesty Sultan Qaboos. We are
greatly encouraged by the strong response from the artist community to the
competition. This was a rare opportunity for upcoming artists in Oman to
share the same platform with accomplished artists and learn from their
techniques. The competition created a festival mood among the artists, who
were determined to make it a grand success. We are proud to be associated
with BankMuscat in organising this great initiative.” |
