Haitham Al Busafi to present Omani horse adornment installation at 2026 Venice Biennale
In 2026, Haitham Al Busafi will showcase his installation titled ZĪNAH (Adornment) at the 61st Venice Biennale, representing Oman. This work draws inspiration from Al-zaanah, the Omani tradition of silver horse ornaments. Utilizing sand sourced from Oman's desert and suspended silver shapes, the installation creates a unique spatial experience. Commissioned by His Excellency Sayyid Saud bin Hilal Al Busaidi, the Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth, it will be displayed in the Arsenale. Al Busafi's artistic approach resonates with the curatorial vision of the late Koyo Kouoh, emphasizing introspective art. With a background in architecture, he also founded Beyond.xyz in Saudi Arabia. The Biennale is scheduled from 9 May to 22 November 2026, supporting Oman Vision 2040.
Key facts
- Haitham Al Busafi will represent Oman at the 2026 Venice Biennale
- The installation is titled ZĪNAH (Adornment)
- It draws from the Omani tradition of Al-zaanah silver horse ornaments
- The work uses Omani desert sand and suspended silver forms
- Commissioned under patronage of Minister Sayyid Saud bin Hilal Al Busaidi
- Responds to curatorial framework of late artistic director Koyo Kouoh
- Al Busafi trained in Vienna with influences from Zaha Hadid, Kazuyo Sejima, Hani Rashid
- The 61st Venice Biennale runs from 9 May to 22 November 2026
Entities
Artists
- Haitham Al Busafi
- Koyo Kouoh
- Zaha Hadid
- Kazuyo Sejima
- Hani Rashid
Institutions
- Venice Biennale
- Beyond.xyz
Locations
- Oman
- Venice
- Italy
- Arsenale
- Vienna
- Austria
- Saudi Arabia