Hi weekly - December 4, 2015

OMAN’S LARGEST CIRCULATED WEEKLY — 54,000 COPIES

VOL 9 ISSUE 33 / DECEMBER 4, 2015

NATURAL BEAUTY DISCOVER THE ART OF FLORAL SCULPTURE PAGE 22

Audited by

THIS WEEK IN OMAN

LEAVE IT ALL ON THE FFIELD Watch young y Omani footballers show their stuff footballe of European talent in front o scouts tthis weekend in PAGE 10 Azaiba. P

GO FOR THE ITALIAN, STAY FOR THE LOUNGE Take a peek inside Rossini, Muscat’s newest fine dining venue. PAGE 12

TAKE A STROLL THROUGH NIZWA Spend quality time at one of Oman’s oldest souqs, weave through livestock markets, pottery shops, and a lane of antique guns. PAGE 18

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VOLUME 9 ISSUE 33 DECEMBER 4, 2015

Give us a shout with questions, comments, compliments, complaints, or just to say “Hi�

Founder Essa bin Mohamed Al Zedjali Chairman Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali CEO Ahmed Essa Al Zedjali scottarmstrong@timesofoman.com Chief Executive Editor Scott Armstrong felicia@timesofoman.com

Executive Features Editor Felicia Campbell Features Production Editor Swati Dasgupta

hubert@timesofoman.com

Editor Hubert Vaz

swati@timesofoman.com

Senior Editors T. A. Ameerudheen Faisal Mohammed Naim ameerudheen@timesofoman.com

faisal@timesofoman.com

Chief Sub-Editors Mohammed Shafeeqe, Ashish Dubash ashishdubash@timesofoman.com

Online Editor Mahran Shaukat Ali shafeeq@timesofoman.com Multimedia Editorial Assistant Shruthi Nair

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shruthi@timesofoman.com Chief Creative Officer Adonis Durado Associate Art Director Waleed Rabin Graphic Editor Antonio Farach Design Editor Sahir K.M. Lead Designer Ali Jani Designers Antonio Ismael Sandiego Geri Batara Sonny Gregory Fernandez Director of Digital Television Joe Morrison Photography MMG Photographers

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Head Of Advertising & Marketing Aziz K. Baker Production Manager Shafi Shaik On The Cover Photography by Shabin E Design by Ali Jani For general inquiries or comments: HiWeekend@timesofoman.com

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VOLUME 9 ISSUE 33 DECEMBER 4, 2015

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THE WEEKEND LINEUP Catch the hottest events that are happening this week in our calendar.

03 04 05 THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

7:00pm Enjoy Dinner and a Dance

5:00pm Dance with DJs

10:00am Shop the Meena Bazaar

Head to Al Sawadi Beach Resort for an evening of dining and dancing with a musical performance live mus

by Sohan & Xperiments, a popular Sri Lankan band.

If you miss the show on Thursday, Thursday you can catch a performance at the Oman performan College Hall in Seeb Tourism Co at 33:00pm on Friday.

Local DJs will spin techno tracks while performance artists throw fire and swing poi during Secrete Garden, Oman’s first House Music show. OMR 10 at the door.

Platinum Events is back with Meena Bazaar, featuring 70 stalls of fashion goods as well as delicious food from multi-cultural participants from Oman, US, Europe, India, Pakistan, Philippines, and Africa.

Al Sa Sawadi Beach Resort +968 9593 5139 sohanxp.ning.com

The first Muscat Motorbike Show will showcase some of the newest models of these mean machines.

Take in a Soccer Tourney

Oman Auto Association +968 2451 0239 mahrajan.net

Photography: Supplied

The ADISO 2015 International Football Tournament (Dec Amal Club will see 3-5) at Al A participation by Omani teams Club and the Steaua like Seeb Clu Bucharest, a former European Champion. It’s a great Cup Cha opportunity for f local players to showcase their the skills to coaches from top European and scouts fr teams while spectators revel in football fever.

Al Amal Club +968 9524 1373 adisosoccer.com

Al Bustan Palace Lawn facebook.com/prismaticdjs

5:00pm Get Moto-Lust

7:00pm Channel your Inner Parisian The Women’s Guild in Oman’s annual Crystal Ball, An Evening in Paris will be an evening of dance, entertainment, and a four-course dinner with all proceeds going to the Environment Society of Oman.

Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah +968 2477 6666 womensguildoman.com

Al Bahja Hall, Jungle Restaurant +968 9581 2004 platinumeventsoman.com

4:00pm Take a Free Ride (and Sample) Go try free samples of over 25 flavours of popcorn at the opening of Oman’s first gourmet popcorn shop, “Let’s Popcorn” opposite the “Le Natural Park, then catch a free ride on the Big Bus around Qurum and Muttrah. arou Let’s Popcorn Qurum Garden Center +968 9585 5558 LetsPopcorn.com

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VOLUME 9 ISSUE 33 DECEMBER 4, 2015

KHALEEJI HAPPENINGS Broadcasting the best events in the GCC (December 03, 04, 05)

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FIVE TO TRY NIGHTLIFE SPOTS hiweekend@timesofoman.com

CLUB SAFARI

ON THE ROCKS

PIANO LOUNGE

One of the most popular nightclubs in Muscat located in Hotel Grand Hyatt, this dance hall is open from 7pm to 3am from Saturday to Thursday and from 7pm to 2am on Fridays, though the action really starts after midnight. +968 2464 1234; muscat.grand.hyatt.com

On The Rocks Restaurant and Lounge features a rotating lineup of DJs for a lively night out. It is located in the Golden Tulip hotel in Seeb and is open from 6pm-3am daily, Fridays until 2am. +968 2451 4444; goldentulipseeb.com

Located in the Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort, Piano Lounge is a fancy indoor space with nightly live piano performances and an outdoor area overlooking the beautiful Shangri-La beach. The Lounge is open from 6pm to 2am every day. +968 2477 6565; shangri-la.com/muscat

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Thursday, December 3 International Animation Festival (Dubai)

If you have a flair for creativity, then make sure to attend the first-of-its-kind expo for artists and animators – Animate Dubai – which will bring together artists, animators, and fans to award the best and most successful works in the region. Shortlisted features and short films will also be screened over three days.

D3 (Dubai Design District) +971 4433 3000 animatedubai.com

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Friday, December 4 Festive Fayre (Bahrain)

Enjoy a day of fun and entertainment, good food and games for families, at the Festive Fayre organised by St Christopher’s School at its Saar Campus from 11:00am to 3:00pm. Great Raffle prizes are also up for grabs.

St Christopher’s School, Isa Town. +973 1759 8600 st-chris.net

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Thursday, December 3 Experience the Extreme (Dubai)

Attend the Middle East Extreme Sports Expo, a 3-day ‘Come and Try’ event for fans of sports on land, air, and sea using the best international equipment and brands. There are interesting seminars and workshops on the sidelines to showcase new adrenaline sports.

Dubai International Marine Club +971 4454 9789 extremesportsexpo.me

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Friday, December 4 Masters of Dirt Finale (Dubai)

Get ready for some gravity defying stunts and rider acrobats at the finale of the Masters of Dirt freestyle show, presented by XDubai, featuring 17 of the world’s leading international FMX, BMX, MTB, Quad, and Snowmobile riders, two fire cube artists, and six Fuel Girls.

Dubai World Trade Centre + 971 4457 3212 mastersofdirt.ae

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Saturday, December 5 Dragon Boat Contest (Qatar)

Photography: Supplied

Check out the action of the 2nd International Dragon Boat Festival in which each 12-metre dragon boat has 20 paddlers paddling in synchronisation to the rhythm of a drummer under the direction of a captain.

Grand Hyatt Doha +974 4448 1234 qatardragonboat.com

O’MALLEY’S

ROUTE 66

O’Malley’s is located in the ground floor of Hotel Radisson Blu in Al Khuwair. This low-key hideaway features Irish-style decor and is open from 12 noon to 3pm and 6pm to 2am every day. +968 2448 7777; radisonblu.com/muscat

Located next to Shatti beach at the Qurm Resort, Route 66 has live music, visiting DJs, and a good balance of wild indoor and quiet outdoor spaces.

Open from 7am to 3am every day. +968 9338 0147; facebook.com/Route66Oman

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VOLUME 9 ISSUE 33 DECEMBER 4, 2015

WEEKEND ESCAPE

CAMP LIKE A QUEEN

HAJAR MOUNTAINS It’s time for a long, relaxing break amidst the beautiful natural landscape of the Hajar Mountains. Instead of deciding between a rough-and-ready camping trip and the comforts of a mountainside hotel, try a weekend of ‘glamping’ on the cliffs. Story Shruthi Nair

Dusk falls over Jebel Akhdar

The easiest way to have a luxurious camping experience, is to let the experts do all the heavy-lifting and planning for you. Hud Hud Travels (+968 9980 2922, hudhudtravels. com) offers all-inclusive luxury tent expeditions to Oman’s mountains at rates starting from OMR400 per person. If you’d rather strike out on your own, just remember that the key to a posh camp-out is all in the details, so be sure to pack plenty of plush comforters, fine readymade foods, and a good tent that goes up easily, so you can spend your time exploring the place at leisure.

THURSDAY 08.30 Fuel up and grab a karak tea from the petrol station and head north along the Al Batinah coast. Turn inland and stop in Nakhal to take some photos of the restored fort surrounded by date palms and take a dip in the Ain a’Thawwarah hot springs.

12.30 Drive further inland to Rustaq and stop to admire the impressive Wadi Bani Awf dam. If you have a 4x4, then continue on the winding road that creeps over the Hajar Mountains to an elevation of over 2,000m, passing through rugged mountain scenery, small jebel villages, and wadis.

14.30 The Hud Hud tour stops in the beautiful mountain village of Balad Sayt for a freshly prepared local lunch. If you are on your own, find a picturesque place to stop along the way for an alfresco meal.

16.00 Assend Jebel Akhdar and scout out the perfect camping spot on the spectacular clifftop plateaus. The Hud Hud camp is nestled just above the town of Tanuf, 1,000m above sea level.

17.00 Stretch out in your plush tent for a bit of relaxation before spending the evening sipping and nibbling around the campfire.

Hud Hud Hajar Mountain Camp

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FRIDAY 09.00 Spend the morning exploring the local mountain village of Al Hamra, a 400-year-old town that is home to some of the oldest preserved houses in Oman.

14.00 Have a picnic lunch in Wadi Ghul, then explore the old ruins of its abandoned village. This area is home to the highest concentration of traditional carpet weavers in Oman, so keep an eye out for them, and try to purchase one of their hand crafted pieces if you find a finished textile.

16.30 From here we continue through Wadi Ghul, where we can explore the old ruins of its abandoned village. This area is home to perhaps the highest concentration of traditional carpet weavers in Oman, and as we venture further up Jebel Shams we will see their works on display.

SATURDAY 08.00 After an early breakfast, you drive to the Nizwa market (see page 18 for a preview of what to look for).

11.00 After some time exploring Nizwa’s fort and ancient souq, head to the Unesco listed town of Bahla, famous for its fabulous silver and handmade pottery.

The town of Jabrin is not much further and is home to, what is considered to be Oman’s most impressive fort, a marvel of castle engineering built during the Ya’ruba Dynasty in 1688.

13.30 The date plantations of Birkat Al Mauz make an ideal, shaded spot for a picnic lunch on the way back down the mountain.

Photography courtesy: Hud Hud Travels

15.00 Fuel up and grab a sweet cup of karak and enjoy the two-hour drive home to Muscat.

—shruthi@timesofoman.com

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ADISO’s Euro-Omani Tourney STORY MOHAMMED SHAFEEQE

Oman’s young football talents are ready to test their skills against one of Europe’s leading sides in the first Under 16 ADISO International football tournament being held this weekend at the Al Amal football grounds in Azaiba

DISO Soccer Academy will host its first ever under-16 international football tournament in Oman this weekend at the Al Amal Club grounds in Azaiba.

Four teams, including the well known Steaua Bucharest from Romania will take part in the tourney. The tournament will be held for three days starting on December 3. The other participating teams are Seeb Club, Mosaic Academy, and the host, ADISO Soccer Academy.

“These kind of tournaments are all about exposing youngsters to international football and laying the foundations for the players to eventually go on to earn international honours

in their future, through different age groups, right up to their respective national teams. Therefore the ethos of these types of tournaments is about participation and player development,” said Adrian Tufar, General Manager and Head Coach of ADISO Soccer Academy.

The ADISO’s head is extremely excited ahead of the tournament.

“ADISO is committed to the development of the ‘beautiful game’ in Oman.

Our squad has been well prepared by the coaches. The purpose of the tournament is to establish a connection between Oman football and European football. We are bringing one of the most famous clubs from Europe, Steaua Bucharest (FCSB), who were champions in East Europe in 1986.”

The tournament will be played on a round robin league format. “Each

TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE DATE

TIME

TEAMS PLAYING

6.00 pm

Al Seeb Club Vs FCSB

8.00 pm

Adiso Soccer Academy Vs Mosaic Academy

9.30 am

Al Seeb Club Vs Adiso Soccer Academy

11.30 am

FCSB Vs Mosaic Academy

6.00 pm

Adiso Soccer Academy Vs FCSB

8.00 pm

Mosaic Academy Vs Al Seeb Club

5.00 pm

Small Final (No 3 Vs No 4)

7.00 pm

Final (No 1 Vs No 2)

DEC 3 THU

DEC 4 FRI

DEC 5 SAT

academy will have its own playing style and that is a big learning process.

Therefore, the importance of the tournament cannot be underestimated,” Adrian said.

“Football has a huge potential in Oman and the talents should be trained properly,” said Adrian, who came to Oman in 2008 as a physical education teacher in an international school. Every year, the academy organises trips to Europe and participates in international tournaments that gather scouts and licensed FIFA agents in search for the next generation of football players. Four players have been scouted so far. “The tournaments offer a great opportunity for young Omani players to get the feel of the European style of playing,” he said.

In 2014, the ADISO Football League was created. The purpose of the league

is to provide teams with an engaging and learning setting that duplicates a real football season, with proper referees, rules, grounds, home and away games.

“This is the pioneer tournament and we are planning bigger tournaments in future with the participation of clubs from around the world.

It is a good thing for the playing kids and, being a coach, it is a good experience to know the style of the game from around the world. There will be individual prizes for the top scorer and for the most valuable player besides medals for participants. Omani referees will control the game. This is a good chance for football fans to see a good European team playing against Omani clubs,” Adrian added.

Entry for the tournament is free.

—shafeeq@timesofoman.com

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ROSSINI TO SATISFY EVERY DESIRE STORY FELICIA CAMPBELL | PHOTOGRAPHY SHABIN E

Great restaurants are far more than places we go to grab a bite, in fact, food is only a small part of the equation when it comes to a true ďŹ ne dining experience. A restaurant is a backdrop, setting the tone for the kind of evening we have dreamed up for ourselves, be it a quiet, romantic evening with someone special; a high-heeled, lipstick-stained night with the girls; or a back-slapping, joke-telling boys-only affair.

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D

ining at Rossini truly feels like stepping into another world, and not solely because of the modern, northern Italian inspired menu.

That too is excellent, featuring all fresh ingredients which sing in dishes like succulent roasted rack of lamb, so tender that you can pull the meat from the bone with a fork before dragging it through a drizzle of balsamic vinegar and pistachio sauce; creamy mushroom risotto, thick with parmesan and perked up with leaves of fried basil and a grind of fresh black pepper; and what I can confidently say is the silkiest panna cotta in town. Leaving the stunning menu aside for a minute, the moment you walk into Rossini, you are immersed into a world of choices, with distinctive spaces that offer a plethora of options for setting the mood of your evening, and ways to take it on a welcome detour.

When you enter you need only pick

your poison. On the weekends, the space is filled with low-key music thanks to a live performer, and his relaxing melodies unite the diverse areas. Take your date to the intimate banquet tables in the lounge area to murmur quietly to one another over your beverages or small bites before heading to your white tablecloth draped, candle-lit table in the surrounding main dining room. Or go perch on the high barstools and have a sophisticated sip while waiting for your friends to arrive, and perhaps linger there after they do. Or head to the semi-hidden leather couch filled side lounge, as gentlemanly a space as I’ve ever seen, replete with its own humidor. Fair warning, if you end up in this warm, wood panelled room with a rocks glass in your hand and some good conversation, you may not want to go anywhere else for the rest of the night. Which is fine too, the staff will happily serve your steak to you there.

When, and if, you make it to your table, relax and prepare for the leisurely

journey that defines fine dining. Select your water, place a drink order, and peruse the well-curated menu. The staff is always close by to answer questions about the dishes or to help put together a multi-coursed tasting menu for you.

Once your choices have been made, you will begin with an amuse buche, a little bite to open your appetite (which is exactly what my perfectly seared scallop and delicately steamed prawn did for me, inspiring me to dive into the gorgeous bread basket filled with crisp breadsticks and pillowy-soft, rolls). The first course arrived promptly, but not too fast, you want a meal like this one to last. After each course, your gleaming silverware will be replaced, and before you have time to look around in search of your dapper tuxedo-clad waiter, he will be placing the next dish in front of you. The pacing of the dishes at Rossini is one of their finest achievements.

During my evening, I made use of all the spaces, migrating from the front

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Succulent roasted rack of lamb is so tender you can pull the meat from the bone with a fork before dragging it through a drizzle of balsamic vinegar and pistachio sauce; creamy mushroom risotto is thick with parmesan and perked up with leaves of fried basil; and the panna cotta is the silkiest dessert in town

lounge, to table, to dark, intimate side lounge. Along the way I savoured classic dishes like buffalo mozzarella and fresh tomato caprese salad, enhanced with the wonderfully surprising addition of a green tea gelatin. I sampled taglioni pastas topped with rich lamb ragu and another simmered in lobster bisque and piled high with shelled lobster meat, as well as an earthy mushroom risotto.

The mains, from the fillet of bass draped in saffron sauce to the beef tenderloin served with roasted potatoes, were well executed and well portioned and the dessert lineup, featuring Italian restaurant favourites like tiramisu and panna cotta, also tempted with some distinctive modern offerings, like a smoked vanilla gelato.

Sitting in the lounge later, I discovered that there are many surprises awaiting Rossini guests with “off-menu” options like pan-seared fois gras and other limited availability, ingredient-based dishes and even beverages that the chef is experimenting with, and if there is something you are longing for that isn’t

yet on the menu, Ryan Stallwood, the general manager, assured me that they would do their best to get it in. Why go to all that trouble? Isn’t bespoke service, good food, and upscale ambiance enough?

The management and ownership behind Rossini are committed to going above and beyond, something that shows in every detail of their restaurant, because they understand that the difference between takeaway and fine dining is quite simple: one serves our stomachs while the other serves our imaginations.

—felicia@timesofoman.com

ROSSINI The Cave Restaurant Complex, Darsait fourseasonsoman.com/rossini Reservations: +968 2465 1066 Timings: Saturday - Friday, 12 noon to 3pm and 6pm to 12 midnight

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ROLL-THE-CLOCK-BACK Last season was all about the mid-century vintage styles, but this year we are seeing even older-styles being brought back, with heavier, embellished fabrics and more structured shirts with higher neck lines that give an early 20th-century vibe. I plan to pair this lux jacket with skinny jeans, and wear this bell-shaped top with geometric patterned capris for a vintage-meetsmodern look.

Styl Sea Last month Centrepoint invited me to come check out their autumn/ winter collection, and though it was still around 40 degrees outside, my excitement about the upcoming wardrobe change was undeterred.

See, I’m from New York, where winter wardrobes include ever-increasing layers, boots, and scarves. Most people back home laugh at the idea of a “winter collection” in a place where the temperatures, even in January, rarely dip below 20. But winter style in Oman means I can trade my flowing maxi dresses and sandals for close-toed shoes and separates.

As I wandered through the various stores and sections of the massive Centrepoint in Al Khuwair (+968 9647 3106, centrepointstores.com), I kept my eyes peeled for new Omani-style-winter trends and combinations to indulge in now that the cool weather is finally upon us.

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ADD SOME SHIMMER I wear a lot of black, so I’m always on the hunt for big, bold jewellery to jazz things up. I love these statement necklaces featuring delicate, dangly accents and this gladitorial, geometric bangle.

e ason STORY FELICIA CAMPBELL PHOTOGRAPHY ALI JANI

GENDER-BEND I found these amazing jogger jeans in the men’s section. They offer the casual-cool of the wildly popular jogger slacks of last season, but with additional edge thanks to the heavyduty jean material. These pants look killer on both men and women, but ladies should size down for a more fitted look.

PUMP-IT-UP The best thing about winter in Oman is the re-appearance of high-heels. A classic pair of black pumps goes with everything from jeans to pencil skirts.

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AWALK T H ROUGH N I

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Z W A S O UQ STORY NADA ELSAYED

PHOTOGRAPHY: (Main image) Venecio Datan, (Top and bottom right) Nada Elsayed

Known to be more conservative, Nizwa, the former capital of Oman, attracts visitors from all over the world. About 140km from Muscat, the hour-and-a-half drive to Nizwa is full of surreal views of the mountainside and small villages. Nizwa’s flagship attraction, its authentic Omani souq located in the heart of the city, which is divided into different sections, including the livestock market, craft, dates, fruit and vegetable souqs.

AS YOU DRIVE AWAY FROM MUSCAT AND THE MODERNISATION OF THE CITY, YOU START TO FEEL A SENSE OF THE OVERWHELMING POSSIBILITIES AND THE HISTORY THAT ENCOMPASSES OMAN. TAKING THAT ROAD TO NIZWA, YOU DRIVE BY VILLAGES, STILL CONNECTED TO THEIR CULTURAL TRADITIONS, SOMETHING THE CITY OF NIZWA HAS BEEN ABLE TO PROUDLY MAINTAIN FOR CENTURIES.

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Though the Nizwa souq may seem small compared to other markets, it is full of authentic traditions that transport you throughout its history and gives a true understanding of Omani culture, traditions, and people. With all that it has to offer, it is no surprise that Nizwa is one of the most beloved tourist destinations in the country for locals, expats, and tourists.

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PHOTOGRAPHY: (Far left) Venecio Datan, (Top and bottom centre) Nada Elsayed, (Top right) A.R. Rajkumar

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ith one of the oldest souqs in Oman, the historic livestock market is known throughout the region.

Early Friday morning, in a small area of land just left of the entrance, locals come to trade and auction their livestock, mostly cows and goats. You are able to get a feeling of just how wellknown this souq is by the different nationalities you see scooping out the animals. The livestock auction ends around 9am, so come mid-morning and you may only catch the animals being hauled away in old rusty trucks.

Walk out from the livestock auction and you see produce lined up down the street. Separated from the official fruit and vegetable market, which is housed in a building down the road, this road is where Omanis set up shop, with their fruits and vegetables for sale. Piles of limes, cucumbers, and pomegranates fill their baskets. The friendly, smiling Omanis make bargaining for a bag of cucumbers a much more enjoyable experience.

As you enter the building for the fruit and vegetable souq, you see rows of stalls of raw fruits and vegetables on display. Groups of Omani shopkeepers gather, talking, drinking coffee, and waiting for crowds of locals and tourists alike to pass by. With its very casual, relaxed environment, I felt at ease walking around looking at what everyone had to offer.

As you make your way towards the back of the stalls, more and more dates are available for purchase. Don’t pass up the opportunity to get your taste of locally grown dates; as the major agricultural product, it is no surprise that it is something Oman is known for. A symbol of Oman’s heritage, dates have been a source of wealth for many earlier generations and a tradition that has been passed down. Pick up a box of the popular Al Kha-

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las or Al Khunaizi dates, which are known as two of the sweetest and most delicious varieties. As you pass through a door adjacent to the fruit and vegetable market, you enter a room with a countertop displaying bowls of halwa, the traditional Omani sweet. Another authentic representation of Omani culture and heritage, this sticky jellylike dessert includes spices like saffron and cardamom, and comes in different variations made with dates, honey or rosewater. Typically served during times of joy during celebrations, it is also known as a mark of hospitality.

You’ll notice you’ve made it to the craft souq once you see all the clay pottery lined up just outside. The Nizwa craft souq is known to sell locally crafted items, including silverware, and pottery. Just as dates, pottery is another popular traditional industry. The multi-purpose clay pots are used customarily for storing dates and water.

With quite a selection of shapes and sizes, there is more than enough ceramics here to please any pottery lover. Enter into the shops just near all the pottery, and you find hanging above you beautiful, colourful lanterns, hand crafted silver jewellery, and the traditional Omani khanjar.

The khanjar, a traditional Omani, J shaped dagger is symbol of manhood and pride among Omani men and is worn along their leather belts over their dishdasha. As a national symbol of the Sultanate of Oman, even being displayed on its flag, it is more commonly worn now as a ceremonial accessory for celebrations and weddings. Prices depend on the quality of the raw material of which it is made from, typically iron, sliver or gold as well as the material of the dagger’s case. One khanjar I came across was priced at OMR 350.

Behind the front of the craft souq is a small, short alleyway with more shops. This is where antique guns are sold. The area is full of Omani men as they inspect wooden rifles, which are used in traditional celebrations such as ceremonies and weddings.

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FLORAL PHENOMENON

STORY PATRICIA GROVES | PHOTOGRAPHY SHABIN E.

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MARIE-FRANÇOISE DEPREZ, A QUADRUPLE INTERNATIONAL GOLD MEDALLIST AND ONE OF THE WORLD’S TOP FLORAL ARTISTS, WAS IN TOWN FOR SEVERAL DAYS AS THE GUEST OF MUSCAT’S PROMINENT FLORAL ARTIST, MADHVI KHIMJI, TO GIVE DEMONSTRATIONS AND WORKSHOPS.

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n an enchanted conversation over late afternoon tea in Madhvi’s sitting room, where the walls are alive with the brilliant contemporary art of Radhika Khimji, I came to understand just how embedded in art Marie-Françoise’s work is. It is especially influenced by great contemporary art, like the semi-surreal, dream-like paintings of famous Russian-French modernist Marc Chagall (18871985) and by the architectonic works of Picasso (1881-1973).

“Floral art is akin to sculpture. It is a matter of line, space and movement. You are not emphasising so much the ‘bouquet’ quality of flowers in a vase as in classic flower arrangement, but working to create a specific sculptural shape. As an artist you are expressing your aesthetic impulses by creating pieces that can stand as works of art in design, composition and structural form,” MarieFrançoise explained.

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FLORAL ART IS AKIN TO SCULPTURE. IT IS A MATTER OF LINE, SPACE, AND MOVEMENT. YOU ARE NOT EMPHASISING SO MUCH THE ‘BOUQUET’ QUALITY OF FLOWERS IN A VASE AS IN CLASSIC FLOWER ARRANGEMENT, BUT WORKING TO CREATE A SPECIFIC SCULPTURAL SHAPE.

She went on to say that the sophisticated, young generations of today want to move beyond traditional flower arrangements for their weddings and special parties or receptions. They are excited about approaches that are interesting; not simply eye-catching, but intellectually and aesthetically engaging, and sometimes even humorous.

Marie-Françoise has come to Muscat to help instruct enthusiastic modern floral artists including Madhvi’s current students and others who want to embark on an endeavour that will satisfy their inner creativity and bring them joy.

“You need a basis to go into modern floral design. The best place to start is to take a course in classic floral design. Artists like Cezanne who in the late nineteenth century were the pioneers of modern art worked from a base in realistic or figurative art exploring boundaries that they eventually broke through with abstraction and expressionism.”

Marie-Françoise prepared a dozen outline structures for her demonstrations in which she adorns them in various clever ways to create unusual works of floral art featuring the ingenious use of local materials.

The culminating piece was a spectacular cosmic arrangement of spiralling Plexiglas strands bursting with white stars, flowers and tiny lights. Marie-Françoise has said that if she were to be anything other than human, she would be a cloud or a bubble happily floating above gardens.

Floating on air is pretty well how everyone felt at the end of our enchanted evening.

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VOLUME 9 ISSUE 33 DECEMBER 4, 2015

MARIE-FRANÇOISE’S DESIGN TIPS Keep your eyes open for basic materials not only in your garden but in the environment such as artistically shaped or well textured pieces of wood, palm leaves and dried plant material.

Have a shape in mind for your floral arrangement and create lines to materialise that shape as if drawing, weaving or sculpting it. Asymmetrical elements will make the outline shape more interesting. Take care to use the element of space in the artistry of the arrangement.

Manipulate your materials, for instance long or large leaves, into artistic forms such as fans, loops or bows by bending, folding, and cutting.

Use colour elements for pleasing or dramatic effects, whether in a monochromatic piece or with a colour array. Remember it is not only flowers that can bring colour, but also leaves, vases and non-botanical elements such as plastic, and even lights.

HAVE A SHAPE IN MIND FOR YOUR FLORAL ARRANGEMENT AND CREATE LINES TO MATERIALISE THAT SHAPE AS IF DRAWING, WEAVING, OR SCULPTING IT.

VOLUME 9 ISSUE 33 DECEMBER 4, 2015

HI WEEKLY

Effective contrast can be created not only through colour, but also with shape, texture and style.

Floral arrangements without flowers can be just as beautiful or effective with the use for instance of large leaves sculpted into ‘blooms’ or interesting contemporary forms.

If vases are used, they should be well-chosen too, for presentation as an important element in the artistry of the arrangement.

Realising that vases can be replaced with tubes and water sponges gives greater scope for the imagination.

JOIN MADHVI KHIMJI’S MONTHLY FLORAL ART WORKSHOPS. +968 9933 0700

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Talentz Music Institute Concert 2015 held in Muscat.

VOLUME 9 ISSUE 33 DECEMBER 4, 2015

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