Muscat – Human beings, irrespective of cultural differences, share a timeless connection with the moon. From poets and lovers to seamen and storytellers, the moon has been a silent companion, a symbol of dreams and inspiration. This sentiment finds a strong manifestation in the Museum of the Moon, an inflatable installation artwork by British artist Luke Jerram. Measuring seven meters in diameter, this spherical representation of the moon has toured the world since 2016, mesmerising audiences with its celestial beauty. For the first time, this iconic installation has traveled to Oman, forming the centerpiece of the Raneen Art Festival in Muttrah during the sultanate’s 54th National Day celebrations.

Celebrating Nostalgia

The Raneen Art Festival, a collaborative initiative under the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth, has brought together over 25 artists from Oman and abroad. The artworks are displayed across three iconic locations in Muttrah: the corridor near the Muttrah Police Station, Bait al Khouri, Bait al Khunji, and the Muttrah Fort. The very mood of the exhibition is nostalgia, as one walks down the thin lanes of one of the old pockets of the country. The rocky lanes and stone old buildings lead to Bait al Khouri, Bait al Khunji one can hear the whispers and feel the past days of tradition and culture.  Each room opens to a piece of art that reflects the emotion of Oman. Along with every room, the courtyards and terrace are adorned with installations of toys and giant games among many. From photography to motion pictures and art installations, the two buildings relive the lost decades from of Oman in 1950s and beyond.

Sohar based artist Khadija al Maamari used fishing nets for her installation, symbolising change and societal fabric. “Inspired by my father, a fisherman, the nets reflect how close relationships and simple ways of life can drift apart, mirroring the complexity of life itself. I have seen my father both struggle and love with the nets and the ocean. The nets symbolise the fabric of change in the society: Things and relationships that were once close to us now seem so distant. Our lives are simple as well as complex as the nets,” she said.

Another room in the traditional house opened to an installation that drew inspiration from hair combing by mothers on young girls. As one enters the corner room, one can see black entangled ropes lay on the ground with a vintage transistor singing old village song. Ruqia Mazar, the artist from Hair and Poems said. “My mother instilled values through her gentle care. This work explores those principles, sometimes grounding and at other times challenging.”

Art Reflecting Childhood Memories

Hide and seek has been one of the favourite games of siblings. Digital art, a short film in loop called Childhood Home by Bashair al Balushi. Played in a corner room, the film, influenced by French New Wave cinema, captures siblings playing hide-and-seek in their childhood home. “Our games were filled with carefree laughter,” said Bashair. “But as we grew, life pulled us apart, and the innocence of those moments faded. The games that we played has sweet memories and every item in the house was an excuse to hide us from the adult world. We missed the hiding that actually brough us together and made us carefree and laughs,” she said.

Another standout motion picture is Tariq al Hajri’s 8mm film showcasing ten cleansing rituals performed during summer vacations in Sur. The film vividly portrays the traditions and rituals that shaped Oman’s past.

Sounds and Stories of the Past

Sound plays a central role in the exhibition, with traditional music from Oman’s wilayats filling the courtyards and terraces. Live performances on guitars and saxophones bring a modern touch, while installations like Haitham al Busafi’s Vivid Memories evoke the sounds of childhood toys. “As a child, I traveled to Muttrah Souq during Eid, mesmerised by the toys and their mechanical sounds. Once a year during this time I used to travel to Muttrah souq from Quriyat. That was my best times. I used to be amazed with the toys and their sounds that hung from the shops. Sometimes my father and brothers used to go ahead and I kept on gazing at them” said Busafi.

The past glory of Muscat can never be considered without the history of once upon a time craze for the yellow and black public pay phones. Th installation art work called Resounding Conversations by Mahmood al Zadjali shows the emotion and many lost stories that those phones once heard decades back before the invasion of smartphones. In Zadjali’s words these phones from the project carry echoes of profound stories of personal happiness and pain and they need to be heard by the present generation.  He said, “These phones carry echoes of joy and sorrow, connecting past generations with the present.”

Bringing History to Life

The festival also aims to celebrate Muttrah’s historical essence. Yaqoob al Balushi, event supervisor of Raneen said, “Our goal is to illuminate Muttrah’s historical sites through visual and audio art, showcasing the stories hidden within its lanes.” The event has breathed new life into Muttrah’s old buildings, blending historical reverence with contemporary creativity.  This event seeks to celebrate this unique character, reviving historical sites with contemporary art.

The event was inaugurated by His Highness Sayyid Bilarab bin Haitham al Said recently. It continues until November 30, offering free entry to visitors who can access the exhibition from either the Muttrah Police Station or the Muttrah Fort.