Sarah White is an accomplished artist, writer, photographer and curator who has been living in Oman, since 1986. A women of many talents, she spoke to Oman Vistas about what makes her tick. Read on.

Please give us an introduction about yourself, like where you were born, your education, your work experience, etc.

I was born in UK although my parents were living in India at that time, in order for me to get a UK passport I had to be born there as both my parents were born abroad. So my early years were spent in what was then called Calcutta and Madras. All my education

took place in the UK, I went to Greenacre School for Girls in Banstead Surrey where my passion for art developed. I then went on to do a Foundation Course in Art at Canterbury College of Art followed by a BA Hons degree in Fine Art at the West of England University in Bristol and then completed my Masters degree in Fine Art at The Royal College of Art in London. Whilst in Bristol my artwork was focused on derelict structures, historic buildings that were once a vital part of the development of this port city. It was here that my interest in architecture really started. My artwork was based on real spaces with an incredible history and spirit. When I was in London I began to look at city architecture that combined historicand modern. I also looked at how others have depicted cities and city life and the classic film by Fritz Lang called ‘Metropolis’ was a great inspiration. I began to experiment with messages and symptoms connected with city life, where people and buildings are compartmentalized. For the artwork I produced I won the prestigious Darwin Scholarship, the Rosenburg Foundation Prize and the Fleur Cowles award for Excellence. After graduating I exhibited in top London galleries like Flowers East and at shows in Stockholm and New York. I also worked on commissions and taught at graduate level.

When I left home to start my further education in 1986 my parents movedto Oman and I would visit during my holidays. While in Oman I also got inspired by traditional Omani architecture and the amazing light and colour palette the country has to offer. At that time it was not easy for people to visit Oman, you had to be visiting relations working there. And sometimes when out exploring my family and I would be the first westerners people had seen. It was a real discovery period and great adventure.

My father who was born in Cairo and had always lived in and travelled to the Middle East first came to Oman in the 1970’s and met HE Mohammad Al Zubair. Together they brought in the first major power station to Muscat and Salalah. Later my HE Mohammad Al Zubair invited my father back to Oman to run (what was then known as) Zubair Enterprises.

When my parents decided to retire I thought I had better go to Oman and exhibit the work that I had completed on my many visits. So supported by The Royal College of Art and The British Council Oman I displayed my work in their building. It was the best exhibition I had ever had in Oman and I very nearly sold out on the first night! Encouraged by this I decided to stay a year after my parents left and work on another exhibition.

By this time my family had been in Oman for 8 years and it was our home, and I found it very difficult the idea of my parents leaving, as I did not know if or when I would ever be able to return. Little did I know then that I would spend the next 15 years in Oman and have no plans of leaving!

At a dinner party HE Mohammad Al Zubair suggested that if I wanted to stay I could come and work part-time for him and part-time on my artwork. This was a dream come true. So I began by cataloguing his vast and diverse collection. At this time I also taught art at the American and British School to all middle school, and one GCSE class, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Although it was a completely different teaching experience than I previously had with graduate students.

When researching the Omani Collection it was decided that it should be displayed and shared. The initial idea was for it to be featured in the reception of the new Corporate headquarters. Then the idea developed into a museum that we started working on seriously in 1994. The museum – Bait Al Zubair – opened to the public in 1998, 11 years ago. Last year we celebrated our 10th anniversary by opening a huge new wing which essentially doubled our size. The museum has grown and evolves and continues to do so.

In 2005 I became Arts Advisor of Bait Al Zubair Foundation that is the social and cultural arm of the Zubair Corporation. Our cultural work includes the museum and our publishing activities,together with our arts and heritage consultancy projects.

What is it that you like about Oman the most?

The peace, the cleanliness, the order, the safety, the people- their open and friendly nature. The fact that I can afford to have help in my house, the fantastic opportunities I have had here, my friends, My Omani family, the food! Too many to list simply!

How long more do you hope to be in Oman?

I cannot imagine ever leaving Oman…it is my home. I have lived here longer than anywhere else and have formed a third culture somewhere between Oman and UK!

You are a multifaceted personality, being an accomplished artist, writer, photographer and museum curator.
With my job I have had a diverse range of opportunities in various fields, I was part of the team that set up the museum managing all aspects from concept to completion, including collecting, researching, design, interpretation and training. Our museum is the only one that does everything in-house. Other museum get set up usually by a foreign team and then they are administered by the various bodies. Our museum is different. We research our collection, document and design all our exhibitions and their interpretation. We are flexible and proactive. Our displays relate to our collection’s and when they grow we can build new galleries for them.

I have always been a practicing artist and have had many exhibitions. And have led various notable art projects, consulting and supplying Omani artwork to Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort& Spa and more recently the Al Bustan Palace Hotel. I authored the first book in English on contemporary art in Oman, that was the result of art consultancy and supply to Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa I have also designed ranges for our gift shop including jewellery, mugs and Tshirts. Up until recently I was a long standing and active board member of the Historical Association. I have had my photographs published along numerous articles I have written concerning our work at the museum, art, heritage and culture. I have been invited to lecture at various institutions including the British Museum. I have led a team for huge events like the 40th anniversary celebrations of the Zubair Corporation and worked with various international organizations who exhibit at the museum.

How did you nurture such varied interests?

I had to, no other choice. I have faced some great challenges head on and kept a positive outlook. We are what we want to be and we can be anything, we need to believe in ourselves and focus on our dreams and achieve them!

What would you list as your major achievements?

Bait Al Zubair Museum, and last year the opening of a huge new wingcalled Bait Al Oud the result of 10 years work!

Art consultancy for Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa and more recently the Al Bustan Palace Hotel- supporting and promoting Omani artists.

Authoring the first book on contemporary art in Oman Curating numerous exhibitions

Any new projects you are working on?

Yes we are working on three major projects and a few minor ones! We are currently preparing to open a fantastic coffee shop called Alfinjan and a brand new spacious gift shop and currently designing a museum gift range. We hope that our new gift shop will have something for everyone and all ages. We continue to support local crafts people and have a fantastic range that will be revealed soon. A whole new wing and some new gallery’s in the museum.

How do you balance your professional and personal life?

With difficulty! It’s a constant challenge! because my job is a passion and I am proud of what we do and always strive for the best. I have to force myself to leave and at the moment I am on a serious drive to lose weight and get really healthy so I also need time for that.
I also need time for my own paintings.