As part of its Mavericks DXB Program, Glenfiddich has enlisted the talents of Dubai-based contemporary artist Kristel Bechara. The artist gained recognition as one of the first in the region to embrace NFT technology, and has since become a pioneer on this new digital frontier.
Inspired by the Glenfiddich Gran Reserva, Bechara has produced an exclusive, brand-new work that intertwines the product’s distinct notes with a figure from Lebanese mythology, bringing its feminine side to the fore. The work is set to be unveiled at a who’s-who event in Dubai on March 9 that will also celebrate the brand’s world-colliding Grand Series—and the Gran Reserva in particular.
Bechara speaks to Esquire Middle East about the new piece, how embracing NFTs changed her life, and what it means to be a Maverick.
What spirit were you trying to capture with your latest artwork?
The concept of Glenfiddich’s Grand Series is a collision of two worlds, which pairs well with my personal slogan—’beauty in diversity’.
I combined my love of portraying femininity with colour and collided it with masculinity—as this is a product that is normally pitched to men. I wanted to bring its feminity to the forefront in a bold and Maverick way, taking the antlers from the Gran Reserva packaging and having them embrace a woman. The woman I have depicted is Astarte, a figure of Phoenician origin worshipped for her incredible power of attractiveness and determination, of love and war.
What was life like as a digital artist before the NFT evolution?
I’ve had to defend my digital art for years. I had to explain to people the process for how I created my work, but people wouldn’t accept it as art, and it was always valued less than my traditional paintings. And on top of that, I used to find copies of it in the mall here in Dubai, or selling on Amazon in very low quality, and I would have to hunt people down, which took so much time!
How did your life change once you discovered NFTs?
NFTs became an authenticator for my work, I no longer had to prove to people that the work was mine. And, honestly, it doubled my revenue as well! I’m now able to sell my digital art for the same value of my physical paintings. I even create NFTs for my physical art to act as a smart contract, which I believe will make NFTs the norm for all kinds of art.
I’m a proud digital artist; I don’t have to hide behind my traditional skills, my drawings, and my paintings, because I like to do both. I’ve also become one of the founders of the NFT community here in Dubai, and we create events regularly, and are building projects together.
Part of the Glenfiddich ethos is the ‘Maverick spirit’. What does being a Maverick mean to you?
To me being a Maverick is being able to say whatever you feel and think. Whenever I have a task at hand, I just put all my creative energy in it and see where it goes. I’m not afraid of having to do the work all over again. I run my art studio as a business. I set goals. I have a dedicated team, and I always take opportunities wherever they come my way, especially in the NFT space. I did my best to understand and take advantage of this brief. I’m not afraid to take risks, and to be myself.
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