Strength and vulnerability: Lebanese artist Kristel Bechara redefines the duality of Greek goddesses with vivid colors in her new series 'Heart of Chroma'

Greek mythology, rich with its iconography, gods, and tales, has fascinated artists for centuries. One such Lebanese artist, Kristel Bechara, reinterprets these ancient myths in her 'Heart of Chroma' series, offering a contemporary perspective.

The series consists of fifteen paintings that primarily focus on Greek goddesses, including figures like Persephone, Athena, and Artemis.

Each canvas bursts with vibrant colors and dynamic patterns, portraying the goddesses in moments of empowerment, resilience, and occasionally, vulnerability.

“I’ve always been fascinated by the complexity of these goddesses—how they embody both strength and vulnerability, power and grace,” Bechara tells My Modern Met.

These themes are expressed through contrasts in Bechara's paintings, particularly evident in her color selections. Monochromatic areas are set against striking reds, blues, and yellows, creating a sense that her subjects are, in her words, “larger-than-life.” 

“I use a monochromatic background to highlight the subject, ensuring the dynamic patterns and vibrant colors I use stand out and create a striking contrast,” the Dubai-based artist explains. “[This] ground[s] them in their divinity.”

Pattern and texture are also vital elements in the series. Bechara believes that both add a sense of energy and immediacy to her work. By layering intricate floral designs and geometric motifs, she creates a tactile quality that invites viewers into a dynamic “emotional landscape.”

“It’s about making the painting feel alive,” Bechara claims. “The interplay of these elements helps bring out the essence of each figure and creates a visual energy that connects the viewer to the heart of the painting.”

The series deepens its emotional resonance through its subjects. For example, a painting of Echo portrays the nymph with her mouth agape, her arched neck wrapped in a patterned cloth that resembles a coiled snake. This wrap suggests movement and evokes a somber mood, reflecting the delicate balance of beauty and melancholy found in Echo's original myth.

Another painting features Demeter, the goddess of nature, fertility, and harvest. She meets the viewer's gaze with unwavering determination, her arms adorned with floral tattoos. Blooms surround her, symbolizing her nurturing role, yet her expression remains resolute and almost defiant.

For Bechara, these diverse representations of divine power convey what she describes as the “feminine spirit.”

“Each figure represents a different facet of feminine power, whether it's wisdom, strength, love, or transformation,” she explains.

“I portray this empowerment through the vivid, bold color choices and dynamic patterns that emanate from their forms, symbolizing the immense power they hold.”

While creating 'Heart of Chroma', the artist emphasized the importance of immersion. To prepare for the series, she extensively studied the goddesses, their myths, and their symbolic meanings.

When it was time to paint, she aimed to blend an intuitive and intentional approach, allowing her to naturally capture the emotional essence of her divine subjects.

“I work with a mix of emotional response and intentionality, ensuring the goddess or figure I’m portraying comes to life through dynamic color choices and compositions that reflect their power.”

These paintings are rich with meaning, offering viewers a multitude of interpretations. However, her primary hope is that her audience leaves with a renewed sense of confidence.

“My work is about encouraging people to embrace their uniqueness, to find beauty in their struggles, and to recognize the divine within.”

In this way, 'Heart of Chroma' is a means of transferring divinity and strength from its subjects to its audience.

“The goddesses in this series embody timeless themes of empowerment, transformation, and resilience, and I want viewers to see these qualities in themselves."