Committed to a multifaceted artistic journey, Brussels-based Bengi Lostar is a creative force at the intersection of photography, illustration, poetry and curation. Her artistic expression, grounded in the realms of self-healing and personal expression, transcends conventional boundaries to explore the transformative potential of art to promote healing on both an individual and societal level.
A curator with a keen eye for aesthetics, Bengi Lostar founded Bright Art Gallery in 2022, a proof to her commitment to sustainable and inclusive art spaces. Her inaugural exhibition in Ankara in 2023, curated with precision, set the tone for the gallery’s ethos. The gallery serves an online platform with the aim to create a virtual space that fosters a sense of wellbeing and tranquillity through a carefully curated selection of artworks.
We had the pleasure to have a short interview with her about her artistic perception, her fresh gallery initiative and her visual adventure on Brussels streets.
What sparked your initial interest in the world of art and how has your journey evolved since then?
My journey into the world of art began at a young age, a curious look and appreciation for creativity in all its forms. Growing up surrounded by diverse cultural influences, I was drawn to the power of visual expression as a means of communication and exploration. This early fascination eventually led me to pursue a formal education in art history, providing me with a solid foundation to build upon. Eventually, I continued my education in analogue photography, then attended film school, further expanding my understanding of the visual arts and sharpening my skills in multiple mediums.
As I continued my artistic journey, I discovered a profound connection between art and personal growth. Through my own creative experience, I found a path to self-discovery and healing, which ultimately became a driving force behind my work.
How did your education and professional experience contribute to this journey?
A graduate of Mimar Sinan University with a foundation in art history, Bengi’s evolution into photography and visual arts was initiated with an exploration in analogue photography and the process of black and white printing. Lostar went on to study at the Vancouver Film School, where she studied visual arts and design, leading her to create a connection with photography and illustration.
Her position at the Ministry of Culture and Tourism not only marked a significant phase in her professional life, her commitment to cultural projects, but also nurtured her academic pursuits in EU studies, with a focus on intercultural dialogue. She plays a diverse role within the creative sector, combining the roles of practitioner, curator, writer and organisational professional, each facet contributing to the rich pattern of her involvement in the creative sector.
Could you tell us more about the founding principles of Bright Art Gallery and how they reflect your vision for the art community?
Bright Art Gallery was born out of a desire to create a space where art could transcend physical boundaries and reach a global audience. As an online platform, the gallery aims to break down barriers of access and promote inclusivity within the art community. At its core, Bright Art Gallery is guided by the belief that art has the power to inspire, uplift and unitepeople from all spheres of life. At least this is the main perspective from which bright art gallery is looking.
Your street photography in Brussels often features vibrant colors and rich shades. Could you tell us more about how these bright hues contribute to the overall mood and atmosphere of your work?
The bright colours and rich tones that characterise my approach to street photography in Brussels play an important role in shaping the mood and atmosphere of my work. Brussels has a very characteristic light and although it is a rainy city, the sun is generous and therefore enriches the colours on the streets. I try to capture this particularity of Brussels.
Brussels is a city full of energy and diversity and I try to convey the essence of this spirit through my lens. The vivid colours of the busy street markets, the colourful murals on the historic buildings and the eclectic street scenes give my photographs a sense of dynamism and playfulness. These bold colours not only reflect the kaleidoscope of cultures and experiences found in Brussels, but also evoke feelings of joy, optimism and excitement. By showcasing the city’s artistic urban palette, I hope to invite viewers into a world of limitless possibilities and inspire their imaginations with the beauty of everyday life.
Brussels has a very characteristic light and although it is a rainy city, the sun is generous and therefore enriches the colours on the streets. I try to capture this particularity of Brussels.
Looking ahead, what are your future projects and artistic plans? Can you tell us more about the type of work you’re currently exploring, as well as any upcoming exhibitions or publications we can look forward to?
I’m glad to share that I’m currently working on several projects. As I continue to explore mixed media, collage and photography, which allows me to add layers to my work in creating visual narratives, I am also interested in discovering new forms of expression such as poetry in particular, the haiku. This multidisciplinary approach allows me to combine elements varying from found objects and vintage photographs to digital imagery and text to construct complex and evocative compositions that challenge perception and provoke thought.
I also recently had the honour of collaborating with a group of talented artists on a book published in Turkey, where we collectively showcased our diverse artistic practices and celebrated the power of collaboration and creativity. It was a fulfilling experience to see our collective vision come to life on the pages of a publication, and I look forward to exploring more collaborative projects in the future.
In terms of upcoming exhibitions, I’m excited to be working on new projects both with Bright Art Gallery and through personal exhibitions. With Bright Art Gallery, I’m committed to curating thought-provoking exhibitions that inspire and uplift and inspire audiences. I’m also excited to explore new themes and concepts in my personal exhibitions, where I have the freedom to engage more deeply with my artistic practice and share my unique vision with the world. Overall, I’m excited to continue to discover the limits of visual language within the contemporary art scene.
To find out more about Bengi, visit her website and the site of Bright Art Gallery. You can also get inspired on one of the Instagram accounts – @bengism, @bright.art.gallery and @artofbengism.
