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.
