Lifestyle

Sink or Swim; Renowned Artist Fatma Al Shebani’s Early Work in Painting

Published

4 years ago

June 29, 2022

In life, one truly has just two options. Sink or swim. Most would like to think they would swim and yet most end up sinking, stuck in a place they never really intended to be. After being trapped by societal standards and traditions, contemporary artist Fatma Al Shebani chose to swim. With that choice, she placed herself in society’s line of fire and opened herself up to the art world’s criticism. She rebelled, broke barriers, and made a name for herself.

For over 15 years she has reached people across the world with her art. From Qatar to the Western world and to Palestine, there remains little doubt that she has left a significant impact and solidified her place in the art world. The unique style and voice behind her paintings and sculptures have allowed her to stand out. Every piece she creates retains a piece of herself through the story she aims to construct. Still, much like anything worthwhile, she traveled a long and winding road to accomplish all that she has.

Art always constituted a major part of Shebani’s life. From a young age, she painted and wrote poetry. Her pursuit of higher education at Qatar University also centered around art. Shebani claims that her studying art at university was a pure coincidence, but it nevertheless demonstrates her deep connection with the craft. Art was, perhaps, ingrained in her. The need to create has seemingly always flowed through her veins and intertwined with her soul. Even without consciously deciding to pursue a career as a professional artist, Shebani found herself drawn to the creation of art.

As time went on, Shebani’s life took slight detours. She married and started a family. Shebani had no intention of becoming an artist, but she still created and joined group exhibitions. Her separation from her husband in 2003 pushed her to rediscover herself and recalibrate her professional goals. After attaining freedom and deciding to pursue this creative passion, in spite of the views of those around her, she began to truly shine and find her voice. She separated herself from the crowd and carved out a space in which she now expresses herself, however she pleases.

Every artist has a start, Fatma Al Shebani’s journey – like many– began with painting. Now, she is well known for her metal work and sculptures, pieces that bridge traditional and modern Qatari culture. Her paintings, however, from her own perspective hold equal weight in her portfolio. Shebani’s paintings are often seen as unconventional. She broke the rules of art much like she broke the many conventions placed on her by society. Through painting, she explores the abstract, while also experimenting with color and texture. She allows her free spirit and curiosity to guide her in creating, which results in dynamic pieces that captivate audiences as they carefully explore every inch of the canvas. Her sculptures tell a story, but her paintings reveal layers of her ‘true self’.

In every one of Shebani’s paintings, it is difficult to know exactly where to look first. The paint itself acts to guide the viewer, drawing their eyes to certain parts as though they move through a world of Shebani’s creation. The broad range of colors used in each piece only adds to the creation. Often, the color schemes she employs consist of gentle hues, both warm and cool, but, on occasion, her work makes use of bright, eye-catching, contrasted colors. Shebani demonstrates breadth solely through the many different color combinations she utilizes. Her experimentation with color reflects her own constant personal evolution and willingness to embrace change. Every piece is different and reflects a different aspect of her identity.

Like color, texture and dimension play a major role in her painting process. When one thinks of paintings on canvas it can be difficult to imagine anything other than a 2D piece of art. Shebani breaks that boundary through exaggerated texture. There is a certain depth and physicality to the art she creates. Once again, she shifts from typical conventions in order to bring something new to her audience. She does not shy away from being different and creating something ‘unusual’. Instead, she embraces her defiant nature, going against the grain and doing so masterfully

Shebani once floated idly, slowly sinking into a life that never suited her. Eventually, she dived deep into the oceans of the art world and took control of her narrative. Her start was slow, but once she recognized her true calling, her art began to shine in new and exciting ways. At first glance, her abstract art may seem purely aesthetic in value, however, when one takes into consideration the personality behind the work, the disparate dimensions of the artist become apparent.

Lifestyle

Alabama Car Accident Lawyer: Protecting Your Rights After a Crash

Published

2 days ago

January 13, 2026

Michelle Langton

Car accidents can cause serious injuries, extensive property damage, and long-term financial strain. In the aftermath of a collision, victims often face mounting medical bills, missed time from work, and ongoing physical pain. Navigating insurance claims and legal processes on your own can be overwhelming, especially while trying to recover. Hiring an Alabama car accident lawyer ensures that your rights are protected and that you have the best chance of receiving fair compensation for your injuries and losses.

An experienced Alabama car accident lawyer acts as your advocate, handling complex legal matters while you focus on healing and rebuilding your life after a crash.

Why You Need an Alabama Car Accident Lawyer

Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts, even when the accident was clearly not your fault. Adjusters may pressure victims into giving recorded statements, accepting quick settlements, or downplaying injuries. An experienced Alabama car accident lawyer understands the tactics insurers use and can negotiate aggressively on your behalf.

With in-depth knowledge of Alabama traffic laws, liability rules, and personal injury regulations, your lawyer can manage the legal complexities of your case. This includes identifying responsible parties, calculating damages accurately, and ensuring all paperwork is filed correctly and on time. Having an Alabama car accident lawyer on your side helps level the playing field and prevents costly mistakes.

Understanding Alabama’s Fault and Negligence Laws

Alabama follows a strict contributory negligence rule, which can have a major impact on car accident claims. Under this law, if an injured person is found to be even 1% at fault for an accident, they may be barred from recovering compensation entirely. Insurance companies frequently use this rule to deny or dispute claims.

An experienced Alabama car accident lawyer knows how to counter these arguments by gathering strong evidence, challenging unfair fault determinations, and presenting a clear narrative of liability. Understanding how Alabama courts interpret contributory negligence is essential, and your lawyer will build a strategy designed to protect your right to compensation.

Common Injuries in Car Accidents

Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, some of which may not be immediately apparent. Common injuries include:

Whiplash and neck injuries
Back and spinal injuries
Traumatic brain injuries
Broken bones and fractures
Soft tissue injuries

An Alabama car accident lawyer ensures that all injuries are properly documented, including emergency treatment, follow-up care, rehabilitation, and long-term medical needs. Accurate documentation is crucial for demonstrating the true impact of the accident and pursuing maximum compensation.

How an Alabama Car Accident Lawyer Can Help

Hiring a skilled Alabama car accident lawyer provides support at every stage of the legal process:

Case Evaluation – Reviewing police reports, witness statements, medical records, and vehicle damage to assess the strength and value of your case.

Evidence Collection – Gathering photographs, accident scene documentation, surveillance footage, and repair estimates to build a compelling claim.

Negotiation With Insurance Companies – Advocating for fair compensation and preventing insurers from undervaluing, delaying, or denying your claim.

Litigation – Representing you in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached, ensuring that your case is presented effectively before a judge or jury.

Having an Alabama car accident lawyer manage these steps allows you to focus on recovery while your attorney handles the legal and procedural challenges.

What Compensation May Be Available After a Car Accident

An Alabama car accident lawyer will evaluate all damages related to your crash to ensure nothing is overlooked. Compensation may include:

Medical expenses, both current and future
Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress and mental anguish
Costs of ongoing treatment or rehabilitation

In more serious cases, compensation may also address permanent disability or diminished quality of life. By working with an Alabama car accident lawyer, you gain an advocate who understands how to calculate both economic and non-economic damages accurately, ensuring any settlement or verdict reflects the full impact of the accident.

Benefits of Hiring an Alabama Car Accident Lawyer

Working with an Alabama car accident lawyer provides several key benefits:

Maximized Compensation – Ensuring all damages are properly calculated and pursued
Expert Legal Guidance – Navigating Alabama laws, statutes of limitations, and insurance requirements
Peace of Mind – Reducing stress by allowing your lawyer to handle communications and negotiations
Stronger Case – Strategic legal representation and thorough evidence collection improve outcomes

Many Alabama car accident lawyers also work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not pay legal fees unless compensation is recovered.

When to Contact an Alabama Car Accident Lawyer

It’s important to contact an Alabama car accident lawyer as soon as possible after a crash. Early legal consultation helps preserve critical evidence, accurately document injuries, and ensure compliance with filing deadlines. Prompt action can significantly impact the success of your case and the amount of compensation you receive.

Tips for Working With Your Lawyer

To make the most of your relationship with an Alabama car accident lawyer, consider these tips:

Keep detailed records of medical treatments, bills, and insurance communications
Take photographs of injuries, vehicle damage, and the accident scene
Be honest and thorough when describing how the accident occurred
Follow medical advice and maintain documentation of your recovery

These steps allow your Alabama car accident lawyer to build a strong, well-supported case on your behalf.

Final Thoughts

Car accidents can have serious and lasting consequences, both physically and financially. Consulting an Alabama car accident lawyer is essential to protect your rights, navigate the legal system, and pursue the compensation you deserve. From investigating the crash and negotiating with insurance companies to representing you in court if necessary, an Alabama car accident lawyer provides the experience, advocacy, and support needed to move forward after a serious accident.