Bahraini photographer Ali Al Shehabi returns home with new photo series on cultural identity

Bahraini photographer Ali Al Shehabi has returned to his homeland after living in Dubai for most of his life. His new photo series, “As I Lay Between Two Seas,” captures everyday life in Bahrain, blending nostalgia with humor. The series, created between 2020 and 2023, explores themes of masculinity and cultural identity. Al Shehabi's work features unique scenes, such as men dressed as cowboys and falconry practices, reflecting the diverse subcultures in Bahrain. Al Shehabi's photographs also draw from personal memories, including recreations of family moments. His project highlights the warmth of domestic spaces, contrasting his earlier feelings of alienation from Bahrain, where he felt he did not belong.