Discovering the Soul of Oman & Mississippi: Land, Sea, and Spirit

Discovering the Soul of Oman and Mississippi: Land, Sea, and Spirit is an extraordinary exhibition that juxtaposes captivating imagery from the Magnolia State and the Sultanate of Oman by award-winning artist Basel Almisshal.

Combining elements of land, sea, and spirit, Almisshal's evocative artwork explores the interconnectedness between these two seemingly disparate regions. Through a series of captivating photographs, the exhibit delves into the history, spiritual heritage, cultural traditions, and natural landscapes unique to Oman and Mississippi.

One of the highlights of the exhibition is Almisshal's use of symbolism and visual storytelling to draw parallels between the landscapes of Oman and Mississippi. From the mesmerizing cypress swamps of Magnolia State to the majestic deserts of Oman, each piece of artwork captures the essence of these regions, inviting viewers to reflect on the shared experiences of humanity across time and space.

Discovering the Soul of Oman and Mississippi represents a unique collaboration between the International Museum of Muslim Cultures and Basel Almisshal, whose work has garnered acclaim for its thought-provoking exploration of identity, culture, and belonging. The exhibit promises to spark meaningful conversations about the power of art to transcend boundaries and foster understanding.

"We are thrilled to present this extraordinary exhibition to our visitors," says Emad Al-Turk co-founder of the International Museum of Muslim Cultures. "Basel's work offers a never seen before perspective on the perceived relationship between Oman and a US state, particularly Mississippi- this is not your everyday subject, and he has executed it wonderfully. We invite viewers to enjoy this exhibit before its closing at the end of the month.”

On March 2, 2024 the Museum hosted an ancillary program Gallery Talk with Fulbright fellow Ahlam Yasin who delved into the interconnectedness of colonialism and the slave trades in Oman and Mississippi.

Special thanks to the Mississippi Humanities and the City of Jackson’s Arts Center Mississippi for their generous support of this exhibition.

Now Closed

artist statement

"At the heart of this exhibition lies a deep exploration of the human experience and the universal connections that transcend geographical boundaries. Building on a collection created over seven years in the Sultanate of Oman, I was excited by the idea of searching for moments in time and space to capture in Mississippi that would mirror my images from across the globe. Church arches reflecting mosque arches, camels mirroring Watusi cattle, Desertscapes against Deltascapes, it all came together very beautifully, and I am grateful to the International Museum of Muslim Cultures and the Mississippi Humanities for supporting my creative work”. Basel Almisshal