An award-winning female artist Kristel Bechara has unveiled her latest collection, titled ‘Psychomachia’ at her art gallery in Gate Avenue, DIFC. The series of paintings are inspired by the turbulent events of the past year and recalls the grand poem, Psychomachia, from the early fifth century AD by the Latin poet, Prudentius.
“I’m so excited to start the year by opening my very own gallery in the heart of Dubai in DIFC,” said Kristel Bechara. “The Psychomachia collection has been a culmination of more than a decade of work in the arts and I’m proud to share this experience with Dubai’s residents and tourists that will help them self-reflect and walk away their own interpretation of hope, love and joy,” she added.
Considered one of the most influential works in medieval allegory, the plot of the poem revolves around the battle between the virtues of Hope, Sobriety, Chastity and Humility against the vices of Pride, Wrath, Paganism and Avarice. This battle culminates with each virtue prevailing over its opposing vice, with Chastity defeating Lust, Anger surrendering to Patience and Love being victorious over Greed.
That retrospective to themes and ideas explored in the poem is timeless with its many verses being of great relevance, particularly in today’s time. Kristel’s message has resonated intensely in the art world as it is an exploration of the battle between good and evil and all the grey areas in between. Kristel’s atelier of art poses these questions as viewers in the gallery explore the complex concepts of freedom of the spirit and true joy.
In her latest collection, Kristel’s signature style of dynamic patterns and expressive colours are supported by a strong emotional background, reminding us of mythologies, traditions, fables and lore we know. All the characters in the poem are portrayed as women in keeping with Latin tradition as, linguistically, Latin uses feminine pronouns when abstract concepts are being discussed.
The collection is available starting from 25,000 AED. More details on specific paintings within the Psychomachia collection can be found here. Kristel Bechara Gallery will be open to the public from the 14th of February at PS101, Zone C, Gate Avenue, Dubai International Financial Centre.
Born in Lebanon and based in Dubai, Kristel Bechara is a rising star of the Middle Eastern art world. Her breakthrough happened at the influential World Art Dubai 2018, where her Beauty in Diversity collection received the UAE Resident Artist Award.
Best known for her dynamic patterns and expressive colours, Bechara’s artwork demonstrates the revolutionary creation of photographic imagery with oil, acrylic and giclée printmaking mediums to depict emotion. Her methods involve characteristic stencil-like drawings and sketching combined with modern mixed media lines to form multi-layered fantasy paintings.
Also, as a wife and mother of two, Kristel is an avid traveller and explores worldwide cities to acquire her inspiration. An award-winning contemporary artist, she has proven her success with great demand from galleries in Tokyo, Milano, Brussels, and France and is regularly purchased by enthusiasts globally.
Location: Gate Avenue, DIFC.
