Connect with us

Lifestyle

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

mm

Published

on

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. 

Michelle has been a part of the journey ever since Bigtime Daily started. As a strong learner and passionate writer, she contributes her editing skills for the news agency. She also jots down intellectual pieces from categories such as science and health.

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Lifestyle

Behind the Scenes: A Conversation with Derik Fay – Sharing Stages with Legends and becoming one

mm

Published

on

In the bustling world of motivational speaking, where voices rise and inspire, one individual stands out: Derik Fay.  Not just for his powerful messages, but for the remarkable journey that has placed him alongside some of the world’s most influential figures. 

I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Derik Fay to delve into his experiences sharing stages with icons like Tony Robbins, Tim Grover, and a constellation of A list celebrity names.

“It’s been a surreal experience,” Fay began, a hint of awe still present in his voice. “To stand next to icons who have inspired millions, to witness their command of an audience, it’s a masterclass in itself. 

Fay’s journey, as he describes it, is a blend of hard work, delusional confidence, genuine passion, and a relentless pursuit of connection. 

“It’s not just about the name on the marquee,” he emphasized. “It’s about the shared energy, and the exchange of ideas. Whether it’s Kevin Hart’s comedic genius or Alex Rodriguez’s athletic drive, there’s something to learn from everyone I share the stage with.”

What struck me most during our conversation was Fay’s emphasis on authenticity. “I try to bring the same realness to the stage that I do in my online content,” he explained, referencing his popular Instagram reels and YouTube shorts. 

“People connect with genuine emotion, with relatable stories. It’s about building a bridge, not just delivering a lecture.”

Fays direct, conversational style, which I’ve observed in his online content, and in our interview clearly translates to his live performances. “I’ve learned that vulnerability is a strength,” he shared. “Whether I’m talking about the challenges of fatherhood or the importance of emotional intelligence, I want people to walk away feeling seen and understood.”

Beyond the star-studded appearances, Fay sees his speaking engagements as a platform for positive change. “It’s about sharing insights that can make a real difference,” he told me. 

“Whether it’s inspiring entrepreneurs to chase their dreams or helping individuals navigate difficult relationships, I want to leave a lasting impact.”

The lessons learned from sharing stages with these giants has undoubtedly shaped Fay’s approach. “I’ve absorbed so much from watching these masters at work,” he reflected. “It’s not just about the techniques, it’s about the passion, the commitment, the unwavering belief in the power of communication.”

As Derik Fay continues to grace stages around the globe, one thing is clear: his journey is a testament to the power of authentic connection and the enduring influence of shared experiences. And with each event, the legacy of these moments continues to grow, leaving an indelible mark on both the speaker and the audience.

Continue Reading

Trending