Artist Biography

Hiba Rateb Shenan is an accomplished Palestinian visual artist, arts educator, and cultural ambassador. Active in both national and international art circles, she holds prestigious memberships in the Union of Palestinian Expressionist Artists, the Arab Artists International Forum, and the Fine Arts Forum in Kilis, Turkey. She also serves on the administrative board of the "Haneen" Fine Arts Forum Association.

Shenan's diverse portfolio spans oil and acrylic painting, ceramics, pottery, and specialized velvet painting techniques mastered under Iraqi master artist Dr. Muhannad Al-Dawood. Her career is highlighted by numerous exhibitions organized in collaboration with the Palestinian Ministry of Culture and Arts, international symposia in Jordan and Egypt, and the Golden Feather World Exhibition in Ankara, Turkey (2023). In March 2023, she launched her landmark solo exhibition, Maryem. Beyond her studio practice, Shenan is deeply committed to art education, serving as an ambassador for the "Color of Jerusalem" workshop at the Palestinian Child Arts Center and leading educational workshops and community murals across Palestinian schools and cultural institutions.

Artist Story

Hiba Shenan’s artistic journey began with a mastery of realism and portraiture, grounding her vision in the subtle emotional nuances of human expression. Over time, her creative exploration evolved into a distinct personal style that blends traditional craft with modern visual expression. Driven by an innate curiosity for medium and texture, she expanded her repertoire from classic oil and acrylic canvases into tactile ceramics, pottery, and intricate velvet painting techniques.

At the center of Shenan's narrative universe stands the figure of the woman—conceived not merely as a subject, but as a profound symbol of life, freedom, and endurance. Her first solo exhibition, Maryem (2023), served as a powerful culmination of this focus, celebrating female identity and cultural memory. Whether painting murals on school walls or representing Palestinian heritage at international art forums from Amman to Ankara, Shenan’s journey is driven by a dedication to sharing the story of her homeland through color, texture, and community mentorship.

Artist Statement

*"My artistic path began in the discipline of realism and portraiture, where I learned to observe the quiet truths of human emotion. Over time, that foundation transformed into my own expressive visual language—one that seeks to push boundaries through tactile mediums like velvet, ceramics, oil, and acrylics.

The central motif of my work is the woman, who embodies the ultimate symbol of life, resilience, and freedom. Through every canvas, portrait, and public mural, I aim to create a space where cultural heritage meets modern expression, capturing both the dignity of our people and the enduring spirit of Palestine."* — Hiba Rateb Shenan

Artist at a Glance

🎨 Category

Palestinian Artist

📍 Current Residence

Palestine

🏛 Born

Hebron, West Bank, Palestine

🖌 Medium

Oil on Canvas

🎭 Style

Contemporary Realism

🌿 Inspiration

Palestinian Heritage, Faith & Identity

🖼 Subjects

Portraits • Landscapes • Architecture • Cultural Life

💙 Themes

Memory • Hope • Resilience • Culture

🛍 Available Works

Original Paintings

Voices of the Citadel

Oil on Canvas • Sold

"Set against a deep lapis blue backdrop, this expressive piece presents a striking interplay between human connection and architectural form. A central column of simplified, glowing green figures ascends vertically, surrounded by angled, vibrant structures that suggest stylized buildings, traditional rooftops, or protective architectural fragments. Rich impasto textures and warm, golden highlights illuminate the structures, creating a vivid contrast with the cool, ethereal hues of the human forms. The artwork evokes a profound sense of community, shared endurance, and memory rising amidst the changing textures of an ancient cityscape."

Featured Artwork

Gallery

Collect Hiba Shenan's Artwork - Discover original paintings, fine art prints, and available artwork inspired by Palestine's rich heritage, culture, and history.

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