NAME :
Kristel Bechara.
OCCUPATION :
Visual Artist.
WHERE WERE YOU BORN :
Lebanon.
WHERE DO YOU LIVE :
Dubai, UAE.
DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN 3 WORDS :
Creative, Determined, Passionate.
WHAT IS YOUR EARLIEST MEMORY :
The smell of Play-Doh in kindergarten and shaping little figures.
WHAT WERE YOU LIKE AS A KID :
Curious, always drawing, and probably a bit too independent for my age! I had a wild imagination and loved storytelling or just getting lost in my own world.
AT WHAT AGE DID YOU REALISE THE ART WORLD WAS FOR YOU :
I always knew art was my passion, but I realized it could be my career in my late teens when I saw how design and painting could merge into something bigger.
IF YOU COULD SPEND THE DAY WITH ANY ARTIST WHO WOULD IT BE :
Henri Matisse, the master of colors. His use of bold palettes and expressive forms fascinates me, and I would love to understand how he saw the world.
IF YOU COULD SPEND A DAY ALONE IN ANY ART GALLERY WHICH WOULD YOU VISIT :
The Musée d’Orsay in Paris. There’s something magical about being surrounded by masterpieces from different movements.
YOUR MOST TREASURED POSSESSION :
A ring passed down from my mother. It carries memories and a sense of continuity.
WHO WOULD PLAY YOU IN A MOVIE :
Jennifer Lawrence, she’s brilliant, natural, and has this effortless charm. I admire her authenticity and the way she carries herself both on and off-screen.
IF YOU COULD CHOOSE A SUPERPOWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE :
Healing. Art has the power to heal in its own way, but imagine being able to bring peace, comfort, and renewal to people instantly.
WHAT IS YOUR WORST TRAIT :
I can be overly critical, especially of my own work. While it pushes me to grow, sometimes it makes it hard to appreciate the present moment and celebrate small wins.
WHAT KEEPS YOU AWAKE AT NIGHT :
Ideas for my next painting or how to push my art further. Sometimes, I see patterns and compositions in my mind and just have to sketch them before I sleep.
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT :
Having my work collected internationally and pioneering the use of NFTs in the Middle East. Seeing my art transcend borders and mediums is incredibly fulfilling.
DO YOU LISTEN TO PODCASTS :
Yes! I love Hidden Brain, it’s always thought-provoking and makes me see the world in new ways.
WHAT’S YOUR GUILTY PLEASURE :
Dark chocolate, especially with sea salt. It’s dangerously addictive.
YOU ARE HEADED TO THE ISS (INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION) CHOOSE 4 PEOPLE TO TAKE A LONG :
David Attenborough – for the best storytelling and perspective on our planet. Elon Musk – because if anyone can make sense of space, it’s him. Yayoi Kusama – imagine the art installations she’d create up there! My husband – he’d keep me sane and grounded (even in zero gravity).
WHAT DOES YOUR PERFECT DAY LOOK LIKE :
A peaceful morning in my studio, painting with music playing in the background, followed by an afternoon spent with my family, maybe exploring a new place or having a long, laughter-filled meal.
IF YOU COULD BE FRIENDS WITH A FICTIONAL CHARACTER WHO WOULD IT BE :
Alice from Alice in Wonderland, I love how she embraces curiosity and questions everything.
WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF YOUR JOB :
That moment when a painting starts to take on a life of its own, and when someone connects with it deeply—it’s like a silent dialogue between the artwork and the viewer.
ARE THERE DAYS YOU DO NOT WANT TO PAINT :
Of course! But even on those days, I still explore ideas or experiment with concepts. Creativity isn’t always about producing, it’s about nurturing inspiration.
CHOOSE YOUR TOP 5 MAGAZINES :
Harper’s Bazaar Art, Forbes, The Art Newspaper, Vanity Fair and Architectural Digest.
WHAT IS THE LAST BOOK YOU READ :
1984 by George Orwell, it’s currently inspiring my latest series.
WHAT WAS THE LAST GIFT YOU GAVE SOMEONE :
A limited edition print of my work to a dear friend who moved into a new home.
WHAT MOTIVATES YOU :
The idea that art can make people feel something deeply, whether it’s nostalgia, empowerment, or inspiration.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE DESTINATION :
Italy, the history, the colors, the energy. There’s a creative pulse in every corner, from Renaissance masterpieces to street art.
WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVOURITE DESTINATION :
I don’t think I have one! Every place offers something unique, even if it’s not what you expect.
WHAT’S ON YOUR BUCKET LIST :
Creating large-scale sculptures based on my paintings.
DO YOU LIKE BEING INTERVIEWED :
When the questions are thoughtful, absolutely!
WHAT’S THE CLOSEST YOU HAVE COME TO DEATH :
When I was seven, I was almost hit by a car while crossing the road.
IF YOU HAD A BOAT, WHAT WOULD IT BE CALLED :
Euphoria, because being on the water should feel like pure joy.
WHAT’S YOUR MESSAGE / MOTTO :
“Beauty in Diversity.” I believe the richness of life comes from different perspectives, cultures, and experiences—all of which inspire my work.
https://www.instagram.com/kristelbechara
https://atelierkristel.com
