Lifestyle

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

Published

3 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

Delta 9 THC Drinks: The Perfect Blend of Relaxation and Indulgence

Published

1 day ago

January 9, 2025

Michelle Langton

The beverage industry is experiencing a quiet shift in a world where wellness meets creativity. A new frontier in recreational beverages is emerging with Delta 9 THC drinks, offering a mindful and health-conscious alternative for those seeking a social buzz without the drawbacks of alcohol. Leading this new frontier is Floral Beverages, a company rooted in tradition but focused on modern approaches.

THC Cocktails: From Family Farm to Modern Production

What started as a multigenerational family farm in rural Indiana has become a business redefining social drinking. Inspired to offer healthier options, Floral Beverages translated its agricultural expertise into crafting beverages that promote wellness. Their mission? To provide farm-to-fridge beverages that allow consumers to enjoy life’s celebrations while skipping the dehydration and extra calories often associated with traditional alcohol.

Their approach emphasizes transparency. Each THC beverage represents a straightforward farm-to-fridge journey, with quality maintained at every step. Floral Beverages offers trustworthy and enjoyable products by staying true to their agricultural roots.

Turning Challenges into Opportunities

Launching a small business is never easy, and doing so just before a global pandemic brought even more challenges. Floral Beverages, a family-run company, stayed focused and self-funded through COVID-19, prioritizing smart growth while searching for the ideal product-market fit.

Their determination paid off. Their story is one of persistence and thoughtful strategy, offering hope to other small businesses facing obstacles.

What Sets Floral Beverages THC Cocktails Apart

Floral Beverages stands out in an industry often lacking transparent practices. Its commitment to farm-to-fridge traceability allows customers to trace the origins of their THC cocktails, ensuring consistent quality every time.

Their products are carefully designed, balancing scientific precision with culinary creativity to deliver drinks that mimic the effects of alcohol—minus the ethanol. With responsibly portioned THC, these beverages provide a refreshing and enjoyable alternative, catering to a growing audience seeking mindful options (learn more, here).

Cannabis Cocktails: Recognition and Excellence

Floral Beverages has already made its mark as the first THC beverage to compete in a national alcohol competition—and win. Their Modern Mule earned a silver medal at the 2023 U.S. Open Hard Seltzer Championship, while their Margarita took bronze. These awards reflect their dedication to crafting beverages that taste great and provide a positive experience.

Drink Objectively: A Thoughtful Approach to Celebration

The company’s motto, “Drink Objectively,” reflects its focus on balanced choices. Traditional alcohol is linked to dehydration and calories, while THC drinks offer a lighter alternative. Floral Beverages allows consumers to enjoy social moments without compromising wellness, whether at a gathering or during a quiet evening at home (learn more, here).

With a foundation of quality and clear practices, Floral Beverages is set to grow. Their vision includes expanding their reach, increasing awareness, and introducing more products that align with their values. They aim to reshape the alcohol alternatives space, offering more options to those seeking mindful drinking solutions.

Delta 9 THC Drinks: A Refreshing Way to Sip and Socialize

Floral Beverages Delta 9 beverages are more than beverages—they’re carefully crafted experiences. Combining relaxation with indulgence, these drinks offer a thoughtful way to enjoy social moments. These beverages provide a new way forward for anyone interested in making better choices without sacrificing fun.

Discover the future of social drinking today. Visit Floral Beverages online and explore a variety of flavorful, health-conscious options. Cheers to a better buzz!

*Images sourced from Floral Beverages