Visionary contemporary visual artist Kristel Bechara, a trailblazer in integrating NFT technology, is set to unveil her latest masterpiece, ‘The Voyageur,’ at Gallery 7/40, the beachfront establishment at The Club Palm West Beach on January 11, 2024. This exclusive exhibition, known for its innovative use of mediums, marks a pioneering exploration into the convergence of traditional and digital art.
Originally unveiled as a large-scale canvas painting at Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown in December 2022, ‘The Voyageur’ swiftly garnered the attention of a private collector. From this original creation, Bechara has crafted five digital artworks, each a fragment of the initial piece, weaving together narratives born within the painting. Recognized for her expertise in both traditional and digital art, Kristel Bechara aims to demonstrate the intrinsic value of digital art through this unique project.
Bechara, celebrated for her mastery in both traditional and digital art, seeks to emphasize the intrinsic value of digital art through ‘The Voyageur.’ The project showcases her unique skill sets and challenges the absence of canvas and paint, emphasizing the authenticity and value of digital artwork.
“I always like to blend and combine the disciplines of traditional and digital art, which can be seen in the Voyageur,” highlights Kristel Bechara.
At its core, ‘The Voyageur’ is a celebration of femininity. Bechara, renowned for depicting women and beauty in diversity, extends these themes into this project by introducing a singular female character symbolizing Equality, Empowerment, and Autonomy. Departing from the norm of predominantly male explorers, Bechara depicts a female explorer, challenging conventional narratives.
“I wanted to honor the spirit of the adventurous traveler, who lives beyond the fear of the unknown and navigates fantastical places that exist in realms of their own. She is a feminine entity who is unbound and free to go wherever her heart and curiosity guide her. I wanted to portray her as someone who can overcome any obstacle that tried to slow her down,” says artist Kristel Bechara.
Each artwork in the series represents an individual exploration of the various elements at play in the original painting: ‘The Contemplative Voyageur,’ ‘The Arabesque City of the Future,’ ‘The Mysterious Nine-Tailed Fox (Kitsune),’ ‘The Majestic Vessels of the Skies,’ and ‘The Majestic Vessel of the Seas.’ Viewers will find themselves drawn into a captivating journey, transcending fears, doubts, and limitations.
In collaboration with Gallery 7/40, Bechara extends this captivating voyage to Dubai’s community with a special soirée on January 11th. The venue, inspired by Antoni Gaudi’s architectural designs, resonates with Bechara’s renowned style, integrating innovative mediums, dynamic patterns, and expressive colours set against a monochromatic background.
This event also serves as the announcement for Bechara’s upcoming solo show in collaboration with Kanvas Gallery, inviting art enthusiasts and curious minds to the vernissage on February 22nd, coinciding with Art Dubai. Curated specifically for the region’s largest art fair, this exceptional exhibition seamlessly aligns advanced technology with the narrative of Kristel Bechara’s artistic odyssey at Kanvas Gallery, a new media art hub, with the goal of captivating a diverse audience.
‘A Symphony of Light and Shadows’ is a retrospective exhibition showcasing Bechara’s art in a new dimension. Embracing modern technologies, she offers viewers an innovative yet accessible experience in our digital era. This retrospective exhibition is a testament to Kristel Bechara’s commitment to pushing artistic boundaries and creating immersive experiences for her audience.
