Lifestyle

Representing Transition: Fatma Al Shebani Bridges Tradition and Modernity Through Her Art

Published

4 years ago

February 22, 2022

Few countries have undergone such rapid and dramatic transformation in such a short period of time as Qatar, a former British territory that, in just a few decades, developed from an overlooked backwater situated on the Persian Gulf to the wealthiest country in the world per capita. Likewise, few artists have captured the essence of this metamorphosis, both in its celebration of change and its retention of tradition, as masterfully as Fatma Al Shebani.

Al Shebani’s career took off after the artist decided to leave teaching for good in 2007. An untimely divorce granted her the opportunity to explore her own future in ways previously unconsidered. In 1994, Al Shebani received her Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from Qatar University and quickly established her unique voice, developing a style that bridges time itself to reflect the ethos of a society in transition.

Al Shebani’s preferred mediums include resin, bronze, and stainless steel; strong materials that mirror the internal strength of the many powerful women in her life. As a child, she would often visit the metal and concrete factory her father owned and managed, forming, from a young age, a special relationship with these various elements. Through them, Al Shebani brings wondrous visions and dreams to life. Generally, her work seeks to crystalize memories of the past and its traditions in a style that reflects the contemporary realities of Qatari life.

The concept of clothing as a lens through which one experiences culture re-emerges time and time again through her portfolio. In her ‘Bokhnaq’ series, Al Shebani reimagines the traditional garb of young girls to create statues that capture the essence of childhood, reinforcing this idea by positioning the figures in settings that add to the sense of freedom, play, and child-like joy inherent in the pieces. Her ‘Batoula’ sculptures transplant intimate memories from childhood into the present, specifically when Al Shebani would peek under the batoula of her mother or grandmother to look and touch their faces and connect with a part of their identities reserved only for those closest to them.

Together, the two series paint a visceral portrait of traditional imaginings of Qatari womanhood: the cultural dress of women both before and after marriage; outward expressions of identity as one transitions from youth into adulthood. In this sense, Al Shebani’s work acts to preserve memory. She succeeds in reimagining tradition in a form that reflects the contemporary reality of Doha’s shimmering skyline of towering steel skyscrapers; in a form more palatable to audiences of the 21st century.

Other works draw direct inspiration from interpretations of Qatari nationhood. Al Adiyat 9 reproduces the words of the Quran’s surah Al Adiyat in the form of sculpture, while simultaneously illustrating the experience of Qatar as a nation racing quickly into its own notions of modernity. Commissioned to honor the drafting of the country’s 2004 constitution. Al Adiyat 9 serves as a powerful testament to the speed of Qatar’s development, the proud history her people have managed to bring into the present, as well as the boundless opportunities that still lie ahead.

Born into a generation destined to bridge the gap between tradition and modernity, Al Shebani has emerged as one of the most prolific Qatari artists of the past 20 years. She has solidified her role as a sort of ‘voice of the nation’, offering the people of Qatar, through her art, a powerful narrative that reflects both the challenges and promises of prosperity that have come to characterize the country’s collective experience of the past 50 years.

To learn more about Fatma Al Shebani and her work, reach out on social media.

Lifestyle

The Evolution of Automated Bottling and Labelling Solutions: From Manual to Fully Integrated Systems

Published

3 days ago

October 15, 2025

Michelle Langton

In today’s fast-paced manufacturing and packaging industries, efficiency and accuracy are everything. Businesses across food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic sectors rely heavily on bottling and labelling solutions to maintain product consistency, meet compliance standards, and enhance consumer trust. What began as labour-intensive manual processes has rapidly evolved into fully integrated, automated systems that streamline production and boost profitability. Providers such as Rentafill have played a key role in giving businesses access to flexible and scalable solutions, whether they are just starting out or preparing for large-scale operations.

From Manual Labour to Mechanised Assistance

The earliest bottling and labelling methods involved significant human effort. Workers filled bottles by hand and applied labels manually, often resulting in inconsistencies and bottlenecks in production. As demand grew, simple mechanical tools were introduced to aid with pouring and applying labels, reducing spillage and improving alignment. These early steps were crucial in laying the foundation for more sophisticated solutions.

The Rise of Semi-Automated Systems

Semi-automated bottling and labelling machines marked a turning point. By combining manual oversight with mechanical efficiency, businesses could scale production without a complete overhaul of their processes. Operators managed filling levels, adjusted labelling mechanisms, and ensured quality control while machines handled repetitive actions at higher speeds. Semi-automation was especially beneficial for small to medium-sized enterprises looking to meet growing demand without excessive upfront investment.

Fully Automated Integration

Today’s advanced bottling and labelling solutions are often part of fully integrated systems that connect seamlessly with wider production lines. Modern machines are capable of filling, capping, sealing, and labelling at high speeds with exceptional accuracy. Integration with software allows for real-time monitoring, quality assurance, and predictive maintenance, reducing downtime and waste. These systems can adapt to various container shapes and label formats, giving manufacturers the flexibility they need to keep up with changing consumer preferences and regulatory requirements.

Benefits of Automation in Bottling and Labelling

The transition to automated systems has delivered significant advantages:

• Consistency and precision – automated processes ensure uniform product presentation.

• Increased output – high-speed systems enable businesses to meet rising demand efficiently.

• Reduced costs – less labour is required, and waste from errors is minimised.

• Enhanced traceability – integration with digital systems supports compliance and batch tracking.

• Scalability – systems can be customised to suit businesses at any stage of growth.

Looking Ahead

The evolution of bottling and labelling continues as industries move towards Industry 4.0. Smart technologies, including IoT-enabled sensors and AI-driven analytics, are being integrated into packaging lines to optimise performance, detect faults early, and ensure even greater sustainability. The focus is shifting not only towards efficiency but also towards environmental responsibility, with machines designed to minimise material use and energy consumption.

Final Thoughts

From the days of manual filling to today’s fully integrated systems, bottling and labelling solutions have undergone a remarkable transformation. Businesses now have the opportunity to embrace automation in ways that improve quality, productivity, and long-term growth. Whether a company requires small-scale support or a complete packaging line, modern providers are helping industries bridge the gap between tradition and innovation.