Lifestyle
Representing Transition: Fatma Al Shebani Bridges Tradition and Modernity Through Her Art
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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 Devil’s in the Duvet: Bedding Envy’s Curated Selection Draws in Consumers Worldwide
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Byline: Jamal Hamama
A good night’s sleep is worth its weight in gold, and U.K. consumers have found themselves in the middle of a gold rush. Enter Bedding Envy, the brainchild of long-time textile industry veterans. This family-owned business, nestled in the heart of Manchester, is shaking up the industry with its carefully curated selection of premium bedding, which is attracting consumers from all corners of the globe.
Less is More: The Art of Curation
While most bedding companies stock virtual shelves with every product under the sun, Bedding Envy takes a different path. The company has mastered the art of curation, handpicking only the crème de la crème of bedding to offer to its discerning clientele.
“We offer a curated selection of the best quality sheets and towels, delivering them directly to your door,” says one of Bedding Envy’s directors. “We believe less is more when creating the perfect sleep sanctuary.“
And it’s this less-is-more philosophy that’s got consumers worldwide swooning. Bedding Envy has made certain that every item it offers is of the highest quality by focusing on a smaller selection of top-notch products. This makes it easier for customers to find their perfect match without getting lost in a sea of subpar options.
The Secret Sauce: Skill and Experience
The secret behind Bedding Envy’s success boils down to skill and experience. The company’s crack team has been in the cotton business for over 40 years, supplying some of the U.K.’s most exclusive hotels with bedding and towels of the highest quality standards possible.
“Our buyers at the world’s most exclusive hotels expect nothing but the best,” one of the directors reveals. “Their discerning guests require softness, comfort, and a luxurious feel to bedding and bathroom towels.“
Bedding Envy’s deep understanding of what makes a truly exceptional bedding set puts it ahead of its competition. With extensive knowledge on one hand and its industry relationships on the other—as well as the best suppliers around the world—the company is able to curate a collection with a truly noteworthy pedigree.
From Manchester to the World: The Bedding Envy Phenomenon
What started as a local family business in Manchester has quickly become a global phenomenon, with consumers from all over the world clamoring to get their hands on Bedding Envy’s luxurious linens.
“We’re ecstatic to see such a positive response from customers,” one of Bedding Envy’s directors says. “It truly shows how much people need higher quality product options instead of the same old fluff and dander.“
With plans to expand its offerings and reach even more sleep-deprived souls across the globe, it’s clear that Bedding Envy is just getting started. Those ready to elevate their sleep game should look no further than Bedding Envy. With an expertly curated selection of premium bedding, consumers may sleep like royalty in no time.
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