Today we’d like to introduce you to Arti̇st Beddru

Hi ARTİST, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.

I was born and raised in the enchanting landscapes of Sicily in the city of Agrigento, a place imbued with rich cultural heritage (Greek, Roman and Muslim) and vibrant Mediterranean colours that have profoundly influenced my artistic vision from a young age. Growing up, I was always captivated by the interplay of light and colour in my surroundings, reflective of Greek Art and its harmonious physical beauty, and this fascination naturally led me to explore various artistic mediums and techniques but, more importantly, focus on figurative art as a reflection of the importance of “physicality” in anything I create.

My self-taught academic journey took me through studies in humanities, providing me with a profound understanding of classical art and its evolution into modern movements. This educational background has been instrumental in shaping my approach to art, allowing me to blend tradition with innovation. The turning point in my career came when I developed my signature reverse painting technique on Plexiglas. This unique method involves painting on the back of a transparent surface, creating a mesmerizing interplay of light and colour that breathes life into my compositions. My works, characterized by vivid hues, fluid forms, and ethereal quality, always depict figurative subjects and dreamlike scenes that invite viewers into a world of imagination, where the pleasure of “physicality” becomes unmissable to the eyes of the observers.

As I refined my craft, my work garnered attention from galleries and collectors. Exhibitions across Europe and the United States brought critical acclaim, affirming my place in the contemporary art scene. With each piece, I strive to push the boundaries of my medium, continually exploring new themes and concepts that resonate with my personal journey and artistic evolution.

Today, my art is featured in prestigious galleries and private collections worldwide. Seeing my work appreciated on such a global scale is an honour. I remain committed to innovation and expression, always seeking to capture the beauty and complexity of the human experience through my art.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

The journey has been anything but smooth. Like any artist, I’ve faced numerous challenges and struggles along the way, each shaping my path and fueling my growth.

In the beginning, finding my unique voice and style was a significant challenge. The art world is vast, and standing out requires not just talent, but a distinctive approach that resonates with both the artist and the audience. Developing my signature technique of reverse painting on Plexiglas was a breakthrough, but it came after countless experiments, trials, and errors. The process of perfecting this method was arduous and often frustrating, yet it was these struggles that ultimately led to my artistic identity.

Another significant hurdle was gaining recognition. The art world can be incredibly competitive, and getting my work noticed required persistence and resilience. There were times when my exhibitions didn’t receive the attention I hoped for, and it was easy to feel disheartened. However, each setback taught me valuable lessons about the industry and about myself as an artist.

Financial instability was another recurring challenge. Like many emerging artists, I faced periods where making a living from my art seemed challenging. Covid times were truly terrible for artists and galleries. Balancing the need to create with the need to sustain oneself financially was a constant struggle. It required me to be resourceful but I never took on work that wasn’t aligned with my passion, values and vision just to keep going. Focus and determination are two important traits of my personality.

Additionally, I grappled with the pressure to evolve continuously. The fear of stagnation and the desire to keep pushing the boundaries of my art have been both motivating and daunting. There have been moments of questioning whether my work was good enough or whether I was on the right path, but these moments of introspection have been crucial in driving my artistic growth. Eventually, believing in what I do has allowed me to constantly progress and spread my vision of life through my art.

The best achievement has been developing my own style. I create unique paintings being inspired by my own story and people met along the way who have marked me.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?

I am not interested in demonstrating how different I am from others or how better I am. What for? Creating art for me is not a way of competing with others. It’s a natural urge. That is what I would express even if others were not there. I am terrifically stubborn in life. I always keep going until I get what I want (if what I want is worth my time, of course).

As a painter, while I have enjoyed different techniques, I specialize in reverse painting on Plexiglas.
This method involves painting on the back of a transparent surface, which allows for a striking interplay of light and colour, giving my works a vivid, almost ethereal quality.

My art is characterized by its bold, vibrant hues, fluid forms, and figurative figures that often evoke a dreamlike, otherworldly atmosphere. I love making collectors jump back in time while keeping them tight to the present. Renaissance is surely one of the art periods that inspired me the most.
The entire ENIGMA series reflects it. Arabic references are often present because I have this heritage in my blood as a Sicilian. I am known for this distinctive style, which sets me technically apart from other artists, but this does not mean I am better than anybody else.

The reverse painting technique is not widely used, and my commitment to perfecting it has allowed me to create pieces that stand out in the contemporary art scene. My work often explores themes of identity, emotion, and the human experience, conveyed through a blend of figurative elements. The exploration of human physicality is certainly a focus. It is so strong that the most frequent response I see in collectors is that they want to “touch” the painting.

One of the achievements I am most proud of is the recognition and acclaim my work has received internationally. Exhibiting in prestigious galleries across Europe and the United States and having my pieces included in esteemed private collections is a testament to the impact of my art. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that my work resonates with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. This year I will be exhibiting once again in Miami at the Context art show for the second time in a row during the Miami Art Week which I truly love. I will present some pieces of my Enigma body of work https://www.beddru.com/enigma.html and some of my mesmerizing divers https://www.beddru.com/naturart.html.

On top of my own technique, another distinctive element is my approach to storytelling through art. Each piece I create is a narrative, a glimpse into a world shaped by my imagination and experiences. The use of Plexiglas and reverse painting allows me to play with transparency and depth, creating layers of meaning and inviting viewers to engage with my work on multiple levels. The outcome from the creative process is always a “sculptural” artwork.

I am particularly proud of my commitment to innovation and pushing the boundaries of my medium. Whether it’s experimenting with new forms, exploring different themes, or finding novel ways to express my vision, I am always seeking to evolve as an artist. This dedication to growth and creativity is what drives me and, I believe, sets my work apart in the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary art.

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.

Risk-taking is an integral part of being an artist. Creativity, by its very nature, involves stepping into the unknown and pushing beyond comfort zones. I believe that taking risks is essential for growth, innovation, and authentic expression in art.

One of the most significant risks I took was developing and committing to my unique technique of reverse painting on Plexiglas. This was not a well-trodden path, and there was no guarantee that it would be successful or even sustainable as an artistic method. The process required extensive experimentation, and there were many moments of frustration and doubt. However, embracing this risk was crucial in finding my distinctive voice and style. It allowed me to create works that are truly my own, setting me apart in the contemporary art scene.

I view risk as a necessary component of the artistic journey. Without taking risks, it is difficult to innovate or to push the boundaries of one’s medium and message. Risks involve the possibility of failure, but they also open the door to unexpected opportunities and breakthroughs. For me, the key is to approach risk with a balance of courage and thoughtful consideration. It’s about being willing to take a leap of faith while also being prepared to learn from the outcomes, whether they are successes or setbacks.

Embracing risk has allowed me to create work that is not only distinctive but also deeply personal and meaningful.

Each piece has a story and each artwork is a piece of me the collecttor brings home with him/her.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.beddru.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beddruart/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook/beddru/

Image Credits
The first image -Personal Photo – (me sitting on the ground) is a picture shot by photographer Daniel Rocha