A Fully Immersive Art Experience Open to All
Dubai, UAE, 8 February 2024: Award-winning contemporary artist, Kristel Bechara, has partnered with kanvas, the new immersive art space in Dubai, to unveil a groundbreaking exhibition. “A Symphony of Shadows & Light,” is the outcome of a unique collaboration that seamlessly blends Bechara’s narrative with kanvas’ innovative technology, offering visitors an unparalleled art experience. The exhibition will showcase Bechara’s artistic journey spanning over 15 years in the United Arab Emirates. The show will take place at kanvas, located in Al Khayat Avenue, from February 22nd to March 22nd, 2024, coinciding with the 17th edition of Art Dubai.
Kristel Bechara is renowned for her mastery in both traditional painting and digital art, continually pushing the boundaries of creativity by embracing technological advancements. “I always like to blend and combine the disciplines of traditional and digital art,” says Bechara.
The exhibition, animated by motion designer Viktor Lukacs and set against curated soundtracks by renowned contemporary composer Balazs Havasi, will be divided into five captivating chapters, each offering a canvas of emotions derived from the artist’s personal story, which promises to resonate with the life stories of the viewers:
Chapter 1: “Genesis of Passion” Exploring the emergence of creativity within Kristel Bechara’s personal world, driven by her emotions and the transient beauty of life, from the depths of the abyss to the fleeting moments of a beating heart.
Chapter 2: “Celebration of Life” Capturing moments of joy, growth, and celebration inspired by Greek mythology, a theme deeply rooted in Bechara’s paintings, which visually narrate these timeless tales in a contemporary context.
Chapter 3: “Voice and Vulnerability” Celebrating ‘beauty in diversity’ through the portrayal of various female characters symbolising equality, empowerment, and autonomy.
Chapter 4: “Strength in Struggles” Departing from the norm of predominantly male explorers, this chapter depicts a female explorer, “The Voyageur,” who challenges conventional narratives. An adventurous traveller, who lives beyond the fear of the unknown and navigates fantastical places from the past through the present and into the future.
Chapter 5: “Imaginarium” Raising the curtain to invite viewers to contemplate and explore their own creative journeys through landscapes and stories of their own.
Bechara’s work has captivated audiences globally, showcased in galleries from Tokyo, London, Milano, Brussels, and France. This exhibition marks a significant milestone for the artist: “I think my work reflects the ever-changing landscape of art that is challenging the norms. When I came across kanvas’ new technology, I embraced it with open arms. This is the future of art showcases,” says Bechara.
Astrid Lesuisse, exhibition collaborator and curator expressed her excitement about this exciting project, “I believe art is an endless source for new experiences. The full immersive technology of kanvas with 10 Full HD projectors and ultra-short throw lenses, offers an incredible opportunity for viewers to connect with Kristel Bechara’s work on a deeper level.”
Talking about this one-of-a-kind exhibition, Balint Tordai, Co-Founder of kanvas said, “Not every artist’s style translates effortlessly to an immersive surface, but Kristel’s distinctive patterns and characters are truly inspiring for us. We are very excited with this collaboration that transforms her partly physical, partly digital artwork into a vibrant and dynamic show on kanvas’ projection surfaces. Furthermore, this project fits perfectly with our mission to present innovative art experiences to audiences by showcasing stunning multimedia experiences and groundbreaking hybrid phygital exhibitions.”
To commemorate this occasion, Kristel Bechara has created “A Symphony of Shadows & Light Mini Series: Fragments of An Artistic Odyssey,” featuring 16 original acrylics on canvas pieces, intricately derived from her larger works. Each piece stands as a testament to Bechara’s meticulous attention to detail and her mastery of color and form.
Additionally, the exhibition marks the launch of her inaugural sculpture. Collaborating with Emirati ceramist Shaima Ahli, Bechara has brought to life her iconic “Pandora’s Box,” using pure clay – an integral material in ancient Greek culture. The sculpture has travelled from Dammam to Dubai for display at kanvas and will subsequently be adorned with Bechara’s signature patterns and colours.
“A Symphony of Shadows & Light” exhibition will be open to the public from February 22nd until March 22nd, Monday to Friday, 10AM to 6PM, with an opportunity to meet the artist every Tuesday.
For further information and inquiries, please contact:
Astrid LESUISSE
Art Consultant
astrid@astridlesuisse.com
+971 (0)58 512 9312
ABOUT KRISTEL BECHARA
Kristel Bechara, a renowned visual artist based in Dubai, is celebrated for her vibrant art that contrasts dynamic patterns with monochromatic backgrounds. She’s earned international recognition with exhibits from Tokyo to London and has been featured in major publications like Forbes and Harper’s Bazaar ART. A pioneer in integrating NFT technology, Kristel is the first Middle Eastern female artist to venture into this realm.
Collaborating with global brands such as Lenovo and Samsung, she underscores themes of innovation and empowerment. Kristel works from her Onyx Tower studio and shares regular updates on her website and social media.
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ABOUT KANVAS GALLERY
kanvas, located on Al Khayat Avenue in Dubai’s newest cultural district, is a visionary immersive venue and incubator for art-plugged-in projects. From ground-breaking digital art installations to interactive multimedia experiences and pioneering hybrid phygital exhibitions, their ultimate goal is to bring the latest forms of art close to audiences.
Committed to fostering creativity, kanvas encourages its network of artists and creatives to make the most of the fully responsive, multi-sensory environment, immersing visitors in a world where art is mediated by cutting-edge technology.
For more information about kanvas, visit:
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ABOUT ASTRID LESUISSE
Astrid Lesuisse, a French creative arts specialist, contributing to Dubai’s growing prominence as a leading cultural and arts hub, has been working towards making art accessible through original, creative and inspiring concepts.
A reputable figure in the art scene, particularly for her work with a diverse range of innovative Emirati and UAE-based artists who possess strong theoretical and aesthetic foundations. Given her international background, Astrid is passionate about nurturing talent by providing artists with a dynamic and inclusive platform to introduce their work to local and global audiences.
Astrid Lesuisse collaborates closely with other curators, collectors, developers, brands, designers, and architects to develop unique and exciting exhibition and collection concepts. Her curatorial approach is collaborative and multicultural, reflecting her deep commitment to the artists she represents.
For more information, visit www.astridlesuisse.com, and connect with us on Instagram
ABOUT SHAIMA AHLI
Born in 1990 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Shaima Ahli is an established ceramics artist who lives and works from her studio in Dammam, Saudi Arabia.
Ahli started learning ceramics in Montreal, Canada under the founder of Gaia Ceramique, Catherine Auriol. After moving back to Dubai in 2017, she continued her own independent experimentation in the medium. She uses both wheel throwing and hand building techniques in creating her ceramic ware.
Her pieces can be found in various restaurants and cafes across the UAE such as Maisan15 in Dubai and Eggcellent in Abu Dhabi.
Follow Shaima Ahli on Instagram