Using strong materials like bronze, iron, resin, and stainless steel, Al Shebani creates sculptures lovingly rooted in her past while remaining relevant in a contemporary context.

Her ‘Bouqnak’ motif is an internationally recognized phenomenon that Al Shebani lovingly refers to as her “aliens.” These small abstract figures represent the traditional garb worn by young girls until marriage. The garments represent modesty. For Al Shebani, the materiality of the fabric embedded in her sensory memory and the resulting sculptures are an ode to her upbringing.

Similarly, Al Shebani’s ‘Batoula’ works appear throughout her oeuvre as important markers of the differentiation between youth and adulthood. The mystery and intrigue of these facial coverings recall the artist’s childhood and the sentiment of youth.