At Buro247 Middle East, we are committed to showcasing and celebrating the extraordinary talent in the Arab world. With our column, #BuroSpotlights, we bring you stories of pioneering artists, innovative designers, tech trailblazers, cinematic visionaries, sports stars, and more.
This week, #BuroSpotlights Omani artist Ruqaiya Mazar.
Born in 1991 in Muscat, Mazar grew up to become a multidisciplinary artist specializing in illustration, photography, and videography. Graduating from the esteemed University of Nizwa in central Oman, Mazar’s artistic journey is deeply intertwined with her experiences within Arab culture as she navigates the complexities of human existence through her work.
Mazar’s oeuvre is a testament to her exploration of identity and belonging. Through her illustrations, photography, and videos, she strives to depict the intricate relationship between individuals and their surroundings, probing the depths of light and darkness, dreams, and the ever-present specter of failure.
One of Mazar’s pivotal moments came in 2015 when she was shortlisted for the Young Emerging Artist Prize (YEAP) by the Stal Gallery in Muscat—an accolade that propelled her into the spotlight of Oman’s burgeoning art scene. Since then, her work has been showcased in exhibitions across Oman and Saudi Arabia. Additionally, Mazar has also worked with significant Omani brands like Amouage and Omantel.
In her quest to bridge the gap between art and everyday life, Mazar embarked on a mission to establishMazar Studio in Muscat—a haven for artistic expression and community engagement. Describing it as a space that caters to the needs of her community, Mazar envisions the studio as a hub for creativity, offering art workshops, exhibitions for emerging talents, and a curated selection of products crafted by local artists.
Among the studio’s flagship offerings are silk-satin scarves adorned with Mazar’s distinctive illustrations—a marriage of art and fashion that celebrates the courage to embrace one’s true essence. Each scarf, measuring 80 by 80 centimeters, serves as a canvas for Mazar’s creativity, with symbols like leaves, triangles, and hands weaving a narrative of growth and introspection.
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