Muscat – Oman Alzheimer’s Society is hosting an art exhibition in Muscat to mark World Alzheimer’s Month and raise awareness on the condition in collaboration with Purple Café. 

Titled Art & Photo Gallery – Just Purple, the exhibition opened on Thursday at Sheraton Oman Hotel and will run till September 25. It features works by 13 artists and two photographers exploring themes of memory, family bonds and the personal impact of Alzheimer’s.

The exhibition was inaugurated by artist and photographer Prof Ibrahim Noor al Bakri. 

Speaking at the opening, Dr Hamed al Sinawi, Chairman of Oman Alzheimer’s Society, said the artists used their work to express personal experiences of having loved ones with Alzheimer’s. He said the exhibition highlights the growing need for awareness as Oman’s population ages.

Among the works on display is Memories by Dr Abdulmonam al Hasani, recipient of the Honorary Friendship Medal presented by the International Federation of Photography. He said “purple represents a space between life and death” and his photograph of a broken window sought to capture that “emotional space”.

Dr Shamsa al Harthy used a tree motif to symbolise Alzheimer’s, calling for greater involvement of young people in awareness campaigns. “Many families do not know how to cope with loved ones diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. We must ensure the youth are better informed.”

Raya al Maskari’s painting Echoes in the Architecture of Memories invites the viewer to empathise with those living with memory loss. “It is about fleeting recognition, dignity that persists, and unspoken bonds that remain even when names fade,” she explained, dedicating her work to caregivers and families.

Sheraton Oman has supported the exhibition with special displays and purple lighting in its lobby. “We believe in being there for the community, which is why we wanted to support this cause,” said Rejin Thomas, Hotel Manager.