Delving into the realms of artistry, we have had the distinct pleasure of sitting down with the remarkable Kristel Bechara—an artist whose creative journey has woven a tapestry of inspiration, diversity, and empowerment. In this exclusive interview, we unravel the intricate threads that form the canvas of her life, tracing the evolution from her humble beginnings to the radiant artist she is today. With a palette that blends the vibrant hues of cultural influences, the soothing tones of nature's beauty, and the bold strokes of individuality, Kristel Bechara's work transcends boundaries, echoing a symphony of empowerment and celebration. Join us as we explore the vibrant chapters of her career, from her artistic inception to her acclaimed exhibitions, all while peering into the very heart of her creative process and the challenges that have shaped her extraordinary path.
Can you provide insights into your artistic background and the factors that initially sparked your passion for the art world?
I was introduced to art very early on in life, as my late father was a surrealist artist and sculptor himself. I grew up being surrounded by art and I was always encouraged to express myself, ask questions and follow my creative impulses.
My transition from an art hobbyist into a professional artist started about a decade and a half ago when I moved to Dubai. I took my time developing my own unique style, this is where my formal education and professional background in graphic design came into play. My style further evolved when I decided to combine my love of fabrics, graphic patterns and painting into a single dynamic and colourful artwork that could express the wide spectrum of human emotions.
Your artwork encompasses captivating themes and subjects, weaving together a distinctive visual narrative. Could you shed light on the specific themes that deeply resonate with you and the inspirations that drive them?
The themes that deeply resonate with me include celebrating diversity and individuality, appreciating the beauty of nature, promoting empowerment, and exploring the interplay of cultural influences. I am particularly drawn to portraying women and feminism, with the female form taking center stage in my art. Through my paintings, I aim to tell different stories, capturing the strengths, weaknesses, wit, laughter, joys, and tears of women from all walks of life. Ultimately, my goal is to inspire admiration, respect, and appreciation for women while contributing to a larger conversation about gender equality and empowerment.
Please elaborate on your artistic process and the methodologies you employ when creating a new artwork, allowing us to gain a deeper understanding of your creative approach.
My artistic process involves several key stages. It begins with finding inspiration from various sources, followed by research and exploration to deepen my understanding of the chosen theme or concept. I then move on to sketching and experimenting with compositions, forms, and color palettes to capture the initial essence of the artwork. I also have to consider the storytelling aspect of the piece as well, since I want viewers to take a deep dive within and go on a journey when they are experiencing my work. Once I have these details down, I then move on to producing the actual artwork, making sure that I am staying true to my artistic style and vision.
The vibrant and captivating use of colors in your art evokes powerful emotions and moods. How do you carefully select and employ colors to create these impactful experiences for the viewers?
In brief, the selection and employment of colors in my art are key to creating impactful experiences for viewers. I carefully choose colors based on their emotional and psychological associations, utilizing warm and cool tones to evoke specific moods. I also consider color harmony and contrast to create visual interest and balance. Bold patterns further enhance the impact by adding dynamic elements to the artwork. Through a thoughtful and intentional approach, I aim to evoke powerful emotions and create captivating experiences that resonate with viewers.
What is the essence you hope viewers derive from your art, and how do you strive to create a meaningful connection between your work and its audience?
The core essence I seek viewers to experience through my art is a profound sense of connection, emotional resonance, and captivating intellectual engagement. I strive to create a meaningful connection between my work and its audience by inviting viewers to explore their own emotions, perspectives, and experiences through the visual narrative I've crafted. I aim to evoke a range of emotions, spark introspection, and prompt conversations that transcend cultural, societal, and personal boundaries. By conveying universal themes and celebrating diversity, I aspire to create a space where viewers can find reflection, inspiration, and a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.
Your art possesses a distinct visual language and a captivating narrative. Can you guide us through the storytelling aspect of your pieces, shedding light on how you develop and convey narratives within your artwork?
The storytelling aspect of my artwork involves developing a central concept or theme and conveying it through carefully composed compositions, symbolism, color palettes, texture, and brushwork. These elements work together to create a distinct visual language and evoke emotions within the viewer. I also leave room for personal interpretation, allowing viewers to form their own connections and narratives with the artwork.
Collaboration holds significant importance in your artistic practice. Could you share some remarkable collaborations you have engaged in and how they have left an imprint on your creative expression?
True, collaborations allow me to explore new dimensions and expand my creative expression. Some remarkable collaborations I have engaged in include working with renowned brands such as Glenfiddich, Lenovo, OnStar (General Motors), Meta (Instagram), Birkenstock, RedBull, and WIO Bank. These collaborations focused on thematic elements I am passionate about, such as innovation, empowerment, and individuality. Collaborating with these brands and businesses has provided unique opportunities to create artworks that merge my artistic vision with their values, resulting in impactful pieces and exhibitions. These collaborations have left an imprint on my creative expression by pushing boundaries, introducing new perspectives, and broadening the reach of my art to a wider audience.
Your art has garnered global recognition through exhibitions in prestigious galleries and events. We would love to hear about the notable highlights from your exhibition experiences and the impact they have had on your artistic growth.
My art has garnered international acclaim through its showcase in renowned galleries and prestigious events. Notable highlights include showcasing my artwork in Tokyo, Milano, London, Côte d’Azur, and Brussels, and being featured in publications like Forbes Magazine, Esquire, Harper’s Bazaar ART, and Wired. These exhibition experiences have had a profound impact on my artistic growth. They have provided valuable opportunities to present my work to diverse audiences, receive feedback, and engage in meaningful conversations about art and its impact. The recognition and appreciation received have bolstered my confidence and motivated me to push the boundaries of my creativity further. Additionally, exposure to different cultures and art scenes during these exhibitions has broadened my artistic perspective, allowing for new inspirations and ideas to shape my work. Overall, these exhibition experiences have been instrumental in my artistic journey, contributing to my growth, recognition, and continued exploration as a visual artist.
As an artist, you have undoubtedly encountered various challenges along your journey. Please share some of the obstacles you have faced and elaborate on the ways you have overcome them, offering valuable insights to fellow aspiring artists.
As a traditional and digital artist, one of the challenges I faced was defending the value of my digital art to be valued on the same scale as my original traditional paintings. To overcome this, I embraced the early adoption of NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) to authenticate and preserve the scarcity and originality of my art. This innovative technology helped me establish the value and uniqueness of my digital artworks, bridging the gap between traditional and digital mediums. By leveraging NFTs, I was able to gain recognition and attract collectors who recognized the significance of digital art. My insight for fellow aspiring artists is to explore and embrace new technologies and platforms that can help validate and amplify the value of their work in the ever-evolving art landscape.
Envisioning the future of your art, what new techniques, subjects, or concepts do you find yourself excited to explore? How do you foresee your artistic style evolving in the coming years?
The possibilities and opportunities in the realm of art are endless. One area of interest is further exploring the intersection of art and technology, incorporating interactive elements or incorporating augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) experiences into my artwork.
In terms of subjects, I am eager to delve deeper into themes of sustainability, environmental consciousness, and the relationship between humans and the natural world. Exploring these subjects through my art will allow me to contribute to important conversations and raise awareness about pressing global issues. Conceptually, I am intrigued by the exploration of identity, particularly in relation to cultural diversity, gender, and societal constructs. I aim to delve into the complexities of personal and collective identities, challenging existing norms and perceptions through my artistic narrative.
As for the evolution of my artistic style, I see it evolving in the years to come in a more abstract and experimental direction. While maintaining the core elements that define my style, such as vibrant colors and dynamic patterns. I anticipate a greater emphasis on abstraction, allowing for more open-ended interpretations and viewer engagement.
What advice would you give to emerging artists aspiring to establish themselves in the art world and pursue their creative passions with determination?
To emerging creatives, I would say experiment and practice a lot, don’t try to fit in with what’s trendy or popular, be authentic to your own voice. Ask for help and don’t give up!
Finally, is there anything else you would like to communicate to our readers, whether it's about your art, the inspirations that drive you, or your future plans that you would like to share?
To the readers, I would like to express my gratitude for taking the time to explore and engage with my art. It is the viewers' support and appreciation that fuel my creative journey. I am driven by a deep passion to celebrate life, honor beauty in its various forms, and inspire a sense of connection and empowerment through my artwork.
To stay updated on my new series, exhibitions or events, you can visit my website which has all of her information and also read my weekly blog where I discuss everything from art, NFTs and upcoming projects- www.atelierkristel.com or Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristelbechara/
In every stroke of her brush and every sculpture that takes form, Kristel Bechara breathes life into a world of diversity, nature's elegance, and the strength of individuality. Through our interview, we've had the privilege of glimpsing into the inner sanctum of her artistic journey—the struggles, triumphs, and moments of pure inspiration that have colored her canvas. As we stand at the crossroads of her past accomplishments and future endeavors, one thing becomes undeniably clear: Kristel's art is a testament to the enduring power of creativity, cultural exploration, and the unyielding spirit that fuels her every creation. As she continues to explore uncharted territories and unveil new chapters of her artistic odyssey, we eagerly await the stories her art will tell, the boundaries it will shatter, and the lives it will touch.
We at Eclectic Gallery, are proud to represent Kristel Bechara and her awe-insiring artworks. We endeavour you to come see her masterpieces in person. Visit us at 16 Newman St, London W1T 1PB and see her paintings come to life.
August 19, 2023
