Through the crimson portal: Mariyam Omar's 'Inertia' explores emotional paralysis

Mariyam Naeema Omar's latest solo exhibition 'Inertia' explores a recurring motif in her artistic vocabulary, seeking to capture the familiar sensation of being caught in emotional loops, whether self-inflicted or dictated by societal constraints.  

"On the outside we might look put together and composed but within our minds we are struggling to comprehend the chaos of raging thoughts and emotions,” Mariyam explained.

The exhibition presents a striking visual dichotomy: vivid, bold hues clash against monochromatic human figures, embodying the disconnect between our composed outward appearance and the chaotic emotional currents surging beneath the surface.

"The controlled look of the paintings resonates with the feeling of someone conforming to society and being restrained from all sides,” Mariyam added.

The trail of canvases leads viewers to the gallery’s edge where a towering red door frame looms with an unsettling presence, crowned with black smoke-like forms that seem to hover in suspension. This central installation arrests the gaze and ignites immediate curiosity.

"Doors can symbolise transition, choice, and end of things or a beginning of something new. It is seen across cultures where doors at temples hold a sacred symbolic meaning and are a passage to change,” the artist explained.

The imposing installation's open and inviting doorway serves as a compelling visual metaphor for the liberation that becomes possible when one finally confronts the paralysis of inertia.

"The paintings that follow after the door installation depict an unrestrained rawness that it is still beautiful and maybe that is what we need,” said Mariyam.

Beyond the symbolic threshold, spectral figures rise from waves of crimson, their heads dissolving into chaotic eruptions of texture and pigment. These untamed compositions with their carefree brushwork suggest the exhilarating beauty that can emerge from emotional release.

Mariyam Omar, who was instrumental in the inception of the Maldivian fine arts scene, has consistently examined the complex tapestry of human social connections. Her focus on human rights concerns has earned her exhibition opportunities across both domestic and international platforms.

The ‘Inertia’ exhibition is open until May 6. 

Reflecting on her creative process, Mariyam acknowledged the paradoxical journey from control to release that defines her artistic practice. The exhibition embodies this philosophy, offering no definitive interpretations – only a contemplative space where visitors can experience emotional realities that transcend verbal expression.