Celebrating Creativity: A Conversation with Artists on World Design Day

On the occasion of World Design Day, we at Amal Al Raisi celebrate the spirit of creativity and craftsmanship that fuels both fashion and art. This year, we are proud to spotlight three talented Oman-based artists — Khadija Al Mammari, Shahad Al Hamdi, and Marwa Al Bahrani — each bringing a distinct voice to the intersection of art, design, and fashion.

What does World Design Day represent to you personally and professionally?

Khadija Al Mammari, a multidisciplinary Omani artist known for her evocative installations and photography, sees World Design Day as "a chance to celebrate creativity, particularly in fashion. Professionally, it’s an opportunity to foster collaboration between the fields of art and fashion."

Shahad Al Hamdi, also an Oman based visual artist passionate about self-expression through digital art and illustration, reflects, "Design takes part in many aspects of our lives and has such a powerful impact on our everyday lives. It's very important to step back to appreciate it all."

Marwa Al Bahrani, a dynamic Omani graphic designer and installation artist, offers her view: "The power of design is not just as a craft, but as a force for positive change. Personally, it’s about creativity, curiosity, and expression. This day is a reminder of the global designers community who shape the world in quiet, powerful ways."

Can you tell us about your journey as an artist? Where did it all begin?

Khadija shares, "My artistic journey began in childhood. I started with painting, then gradually moved into photography and installation art."

Shahad recounts, "My passion for art started at such a young age and my mother tried to support that passion as much as she can. Even though I loved creating art, it was always just a pass time. I realised how important art was when I got busy with life, that is when I had to reevaluate everything and decided to follow my heart."

Marwa describes her creative beginnings:
"It all began when I was young, watching my mom paint vases and my dad sketch. Creativity filled our home, and it naturally passed on to me and my sister — we spent our time drawing, coloring, painting, and creating things with all kinds of materials. My mother also encouraged me to take my creativity further by enrolling me in The Omani Society of Fine Arts, which exposed me to the art world at an early age and gave me confidence in my abilities."

How do you hope people feel when they experience your work?

Khadija hopes that "the viewer feels a sense of contemplation—perhaps even nostalgia or curiosity. My work often leaves room for interpretation, as I believe true art doesn’t impose emotions but gently awakens them."

Shahad shares, "I hope that my art evokes different emotions for the viewers. I hope that the pieces can speak to them in ways that only they understand. I hope my art allows them to connect with parts of themselves that they might not have paid enough attention to."

Marwa reflects: "Because my work spans different mediums and themes, I don’t hope for just one specific reaction. I want people to experience it in their own way — to feel curiosity, reflection, connection, or even discomfort. Hearing their personal interpretations is what completes the artwork for me."

What does “design” mean to you as an artist?

In Khadija’s view, "Design is the foundation of any artistic work. It connects vision (imagination) with execution."

Shahad describes, "Design is anything that you create using creativity and imagination, whether it is functional or not."

Marwa shares her perspective: "Design is about intention and problem-solving. It’s about finding creative solutions that communicate an idea, an emotion, or a story — shaping them in a way that invites people to engage, reflect, and connect. Design isn’t just about how things look; it’s about how they work and what they evoke on a deeper level."

Fashion and art often speak a shared language. How do you see the two connecting in your life or work?

Khadija eloquently puts it, "I see fashion and art as body and soul—they complete each other. Fashion, to me, is more than appearance; it’s a way to express identity, memory, and belonging, much like art. In some of my works, I draw inspiration from textile patterns."

Shahad reflects, "Fashion is art. Art is an expression of oneself and fashion is another aspect of it. For me, fashion is an opportunity to play with colours and patterns; I am the canvas and the outfit is the paint."

Marwa connects fashion and art intuitively:
"Fashion and art are deeply connected for me. My personal style — often dark, minimal, and a little edgy — reflects the same energy I bring into my creative work. I tend to lean toward strong silhouettes, muted tones, and subtle yet intentional details. In both fashion and art, I love using simple elements to make bold, meaningful statements. It’s an intuitive process for me — blending into the environment while still standing out, almost becoming part of the visual language I’m building."

Can you share a project or piece that holds a special place in your heart — and why?

For Khadija, Circles of Time holds a special place in her heart. "It was installed in a public space, accessible to all age groups, and deeply resonated with the community. The piece reflected a social issue that many are currently experiencing."

Shahad shares about her piece In a World Where Nothing Makes Sense: "I have a digital illustration called 'In a world where nothing makes sense' created it in 2020 that means a lot to me. Even though at that point I have been navigating my art career and already decided to do art full time, this specific piece when I made it something lit up in my mind. Its a piece that I felt like I finally understood what art really is to me and how deeply it impacts me."

"One project that holds a special place in my heart is Shifting Hues of Time, an art installation I created for the Raneen Art event in Muttrah, Oman. This piece is especially meaningful to me because it reflects a deep connection between neighbors and evokes a time when homes were close-knit and the village felt like one extended family. It was also my first time working with glass and dichroic sheets, which added new layers of reflection, color, and light to the installation. The materials themselves became a metaphor for memory — shifting, fragile, and beautifully complex — and marked an important evolution in my creative process."

At Amal Al Raisi, we believe that fashion, like art, is a reflection of individuality, heritage, and imagination. On this World Design Day, we honour the artists who inspire us to dream bigger and create with heart.