Sohar International’s Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr. Mohammad Mahfoudh Al Ardhi recently hosted an exhibition to showcase award winning artists from Bangladesh at the Bait Muzna Gallery, in collaboration with the Society for Promotion of Bangladeshi Art (SPBA). The exhibition, entitled ‘Abstracts and Reality’ was inaugurated under the patronage of the Minister of Sports Affairs, His Excellency Sheikh Saad Mohammed Al Mardhoof Al Saadi and served as a vehicle to showcase cross-border art of award-winning artists from Bangladesh. A first-of-its-kind platform in the Middle East, the exhibition aims to introduce the richness and diversity of the Art culture in Bangladesh to the Omani society, and will remain open to the public till 19th April.

Commenting on hosting this exhibition, Mr Mohammad Mahfoudh Al Ardhi said, “Any form of art is a powerful expression of creativity and plays an integral part in generating a positive narrative with a global impact. The relationship between Oman and Bangladesh dates back a millenary with the heritage and culture of the latter brimming with Omani and Arab values. While this exhibition aims to promote and exhibit art across borders, it also ties in perfectly with our vision as a world-leading Omani service company that adds value to the socio-economic development within the Sultanate and encourages more venues of collaboration. We are delighted to be supporting the works of such fascinating, provocative and ground-breaking artists.”

The showcased artists, namely; Monirul Islam, Mohammed Eunus, Kanak Chanpa Chakma, Tajuddin Ahmed, Mohammed Iqbal, Jahangir Hossain and Maksuda Iqbal Nipa, have been exhibiting worldwide including Europe, North America and Asia with their work indicating playful, humorous and natural elements. Each of the artists in this exhibition demonstrates their dramatic personal idiom of form and colour. Monirul Islam has been awarded the highest civilian award by the King of Spain with similar accolades bestowed on other artists. Paintings from the country are also regularly featured in international events in Venice, Tokyo, and Beijing, including the Tate Modern in London and the Guggenheim in New York along with permanent representation at the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C.

Elthem Kabir, Founder Chairman, Society for Promotion of Bangladesh Art, expressed his delight at the event, he said, “The Abstracts and Reality exhibition in Bait Muzna is the first of its kind in the Middle East, and aims to bring into focus the recent developments in both abstract and realistic styles in contemporary art that is local to Bangladesh. Oman is an evolving country that has rich heritage and culture in the artistic arena and a strong appreciation of arts globally and we are excited to start our tour here in Muscat. We are extremely grateful to Mr Mohammad Mahfoudh Al Ardhi and Sohar International for giving our artists such a wonderful opportunity to showcase Bangladesh art to the public in Oman and the world.”

Sohar International’s vision revolves around fuelling national and community growth and prosperity by being more than just a bank, evolving into an ever-present dynamic financial ecosystem that help people win in an ever-changing world. Being an international language, art is a potentially important contributor to social cohesion and nation-building through the promotion of intercultural dialogue, understanding and collaboration; the bank strongly believes that a healthy arts sector helps economies and societies thrive.

Sohar International remains committed to contributing to a diverse range of events – local and international that invests in the development of talent, knowledge, collaboration, wellbeing and other cultural activities.