“I whisper vibrant tales of beauty in diversity against monochromatic silences”
Kristel Bechara has consistently aimed to create art that celebrates life and honors beauty in its various forms. As a contemporary visual artist, she is renowned for her innovative use of dynamic patterns and expressive colors set against monochromatic backgrounds, resulting in vivid and thought-provoking imagery.
Launching her career in the UAE over a decade ago, Kristel has produced numerous collections of paintings that have been exhibited in galleries worldwide, garnering acclaim and high demand in cities such as Tokyo, Milan, London, Côte d’Azur, and Brussels. Her work has been featured in prominent publications like Forbes Magazine, Esquire, Harper’s Bazaar ART, and Wired, reflecting her uncompromising artistic vision and dedication. This dedication has earned her numerous accolades and awards in the region.
In addition to her traditional art, Kristel has embraced NFT technology, becoming the first female artist from the Middle East to integrate NFTs into her practice. She has released multiple NFT art collections to popular demand, solidifying her reputation as an innovative and prolific creator in the field.
Throughout her career, Kristel has collaborated with globally renowned brands including TEDx, Glenfiddich, Lenovo, Samsung, OnStar (General Motors), Meta (Instagram), Birkenstock, Red Bull, One Off (Quincy Jones), and WIO Bank. These partnerships have resulted in artworks centered around themes Kristel is passionate about: innovation, empowerment, and individuality. She has also worked with established businesses in the region to produce collaborative pieces and exhibitions to great acclaim.
Currently residing in Dubai, Kristel creates her art from her studio in the Onyx Tower, where she also hosts viewings of her latest series of paintings.
Can you tell us about your journey as an artist and how you first became interested in painting?
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 is known for its vibrant colours and dynamic compositions. What inspires your artistic style?
At its very core, my work is about the human experience: the focus on black and white is my way of honouring the polarities that we all experience in our lives, the ups and the downs, while the dash of vivid patterns and colours serve as an homage to all the joyous moments in our lives that make our time here on this planet worth living and celebrating.
Many of your pieces seem to blend abstract forms with elements of nature. Could you share how nature influences your work?
Nature and flowers in particular, in their very essence, embody the core of my artistic philosophy. Just as flowers come in a multitude of colors, shapes, and sizes, each with its own story and symbolism, my art thrives on the celebration of diversity, culture, and interconnection. The abstract forms and floral motifs in my work reflect nature’s duality—its serenity and raw power—paralleling the human experience. These elements represent growth, renewal, and the vibrant moments that bring joy to our lives, creating a visual dialogue that honors both the simplicity and complexity of our existence.
You’ve exhibited your art internationally. How has exposure to different cultures and environments impacted your artistic vision?
Exhibiting my art internationally has significantly impacted my artistic vision. Showcasing my work in Tokyo, Milano, London, Côte d’Azur, and Brussels, and being featured in publications like Forbes Magazine, Esquire, Harper’s Bazaar ART, and Wired, has provided invaluable opportunities.
These experiences have allowed me to present my work to diverse audiences, receive feedback, and engage in meaningful conversations about art and its impact. The recognition and appreciation I’ve received have bolstered my confidence and motivated me to push the boundaries of my creativity. Exposure to different cultures and art scenes during these exhibitions has broadened my artistic perspective, allowing new inspirations and ideas to shape my work. Overall, these experiences have been instrumental in my artistic journey, contributing to my growth, recognition, and continued exploration as a visual artist.
Can you walk us through your creative process? How do you approach starting a new piece?
My creative 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.
Your recent projects have included collaborations with other artists and organizations. What do you enjoy most about collaborating, and how does it influence your work?
Collaborations allow me to explore new dimensions and expand my creative expression. My latest collaboration with Kanvas, an immersive art space in Dubai, unveiled a groundbreaking exhibition, “A Symphony of Shadows & Light.” This unique collaboration seamlessly blends my narrative with Kanvas’ innovative technology, offering visitors an unparalleled immersive art experience through the power of shadows and light, enhanced by music.
I have also worked with renowned brands such as Glenfiddich, Lenovo, OnStar (General Motors), Meta (Instagram), Birkenstock, RedBull, and WIO Bank. These collaborations focus on themes I am passionate about, such as innovation, empowerment, and individuality. Collaborating with brands and businesses provides unique opportunities to create artworks that merge my artistic vision with their values, resulting in impactful pieces and exhibitions.
These experiences push boundaries, introduce new perspectives, and broaden the reach of my art to a wider audience, leaving a lasting imprint on my creative expression.
Are there any specific themes or messages you aim to convey through your art?
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.
In addition to painting, you’ve also explored other artistic mediums such as digital art and sculpture. How do these different mediums inform each other in your practice?
Exploring various artistic mediums such as digital art and sculpture has enriched my practice in profound ways. Digital art, particularly with the use of NFTs, has opened up new avenues for building provenance and proof of ownership, making it as much of an art form as traditional methods. It allows me to reach a broader audience and engage with the art community in innovative ways.
Sculpture is a new objective for me, and it brings a tangible, three-dimensional aspect to my work that complements my paintings and digital creations.
Each medium informs the other, creating a dynamic interplay between the digital and the physical. The precision and versatility of digital art enhance my paintings, while the tactile nature of paint inspires new approaches and textures in my digital pieces. This cross-pollination of mediums expands my creative boundaries and deepens my artistic expression, allowing me to convey my themes and messages in multifaceted ways.
Could you share with us some memorable moments or highlights from your career so far?
There have been several memorable moments and highlights in my career that stand out.
At the end of 2020, I adopted NFT technology, making me the first Middle Eastern artist to use it. This allowed my digital art to be valued and exchanged on the same scale as my physical art, marking a significant milestone in my artistic journey.
Another highlight came in February 2024 with my groundbreaking show with Kanvas. This exhibition transformed my physical art into an interactive multisensory experience, telling my creative journey through the power of technology. This innovative approach not only showcased my work in a new light but also engaged audiences in an immersive way, combining art and technology seamlessly.
Additionally, I was recently approached by TEDx to give a talk at their TEDx JAS Youth event. This opportunity was particularly exciting as it allowed me to share my journey and insights with a broader audience, inspiring the next generation of artists and thinkers.
These moments have been pivotal in shaping my career, pushing the boundaries of traditional art forms, and expanding the reach and impact of my work.
What are some upcoming projects or exhibitions that you’re particularly excited about?
I’m particularly excited about the upcoming 2025 art fairs. These events will provide a fantastic platform to showcase my work to a broader audience and engage with art enthusiasts from around the world.
Additionally, I’m thrilled to reveal my new series of paintings. The response has been incredibly positive, with many pieces being sold straight from the studio before anyone else has seen them. I’m super busy building this series, and it’s an exhilarating process. This new series represents an exciting evolution in my work, and I can’t wait to share it with everyone at the upcoming exhibitions.
How do you see your artwork evolving in the future? Are there any new techniques or themes you’re interested in exploring?
As I look to the future, I see my artwork evolving in several exciting directions.
One area I’m particularly interested in is transforming my paintings into sculptures, allowing me to explore the 3D aspect of my work and bring a new dimension to my artistic expression.
For my digital art, I aim to make it more immersive by incorporating advanced technologies like VR and AR. My goal is to create experiences that truly captivate and engage the audience, going beyond gimmicks to offer meaningful and profound interactions with my art. I want to leverage these technologies to enhance the storytelling and emotional impact of my work, providing viewers with a fully immersive journey into my artistic world.
By pushing the boundaries of both traditional and digital mediums, I hope to continue evolving my practice and exploring new techniques and themes that resonate with and inspire my audience.
Finally, what advice would you give to aspiring artists who are just starting their artistic journey?
To aspiring 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!
