Oman Debuts First National Pavilion at 59th Venice Biennale Curated by Aisha Stoby

Aisha Stoby curates the inaugural Sultanate of Oman Pavilion at the 59th Venice Biennale, featuring five Omani artists across three generations. The pavilion presents works by Anwar Sonya, Hassan Meer, Radhika Khimji, Budoor Al Riyami, and Raiya Al Rawahi in the Arsenale. Stoby describes the project as a long-standing aspiration realized with support from Oman's Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport. She emphasizes the Biennale's importance as a global platform where national participation allows countries to showcase significant artists. The 2022 edition runs from April 23 to November 27, marking the first postponement since World War II due to the pandemic. Stoby notes that while themes in the pavilion relate to identity and local pedagogies, they maintain universal resonance. She cites Hassan Meer's installation incorporating Mandoos chests and 1970s suitcases as an example of specific cultural references with broader emotional connections. The curator hopes Oman's participation will activate local art ecosystems and inspire younger artists. Stoby recalls being deeply moved by Okwui Enwezor's 2015 exhibition 'All the World's Futures' and admiring Lithuania's 2019 pavilion. She looks forward to Cecilia Alemani's curated exhibition, Nepal's first pavilion, and presentations by Zineb Sedira for France, Sonia Boyce for the UK, and Maya Alison with Mohammed Ahmed Ibrahim for the UAE.