Artist in conversation: Lyna Bennani
“ Just walking through Paris’ streets, admiring the architecture, and visiting various exhibitions continually fuels my creativity”
Born and raised in Morocco, Lyna has journeyed through California, Spain, and Southeast Asia, where her love for photography flourished.
Now based in Paris, she holds a degree in Fashion and Beauty Photography from SPEOS and a master's in Creative Direction from Marangoni.
Her current endeavors span diverse projects, including photography, creative direction, and artificial intelligence artwork.
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What initially inspired you to become an artist, and how did you develop your unique style?
I've always been captivated by art, even from a very young age. My mom was a huge influence growing up; she encouraged me with crafts, collages, paintings, and pottery. I got my first camera at 13 and loved taking photos of my friends and the nature around me. As I traveled around the world, my focus shifted mainly to portrait photography and then to fashion and beauty photography. Recently, I’ve embraced artificial intelligence as a new medium, adding a unique layer to my work.
Do you have any rituals or routines that help you get into a creative mindset when starting a new project?
Absolutely! I love diving into archives, whether they’re old books, museums or movies from the 1960s. I take long walks while listening to music and jot down my inspirations in a notebook. When it’s time to create, I literally lock myself in my apartment haha, put on some music, and let the creativity flow!
What led you to choose Paris as your base, and how has the city's fashion and art scene influenced your work?
I originally came to Paris for my photography studies and stayed on for my master's in creative direction. Paris is where photography was born and remains the fashion capital. The city’s rich history and vibrant art scene are incredibly inspiring. Just walking through its streets, admiring the architecture, and visiting various exhibitions continually fuels my creativity. I honestly think that it’s an ideal place to grow your career as an artist.
What role does artificial intelligence play in your artwork, and how do you see this evolving in the future?
Over the past year, AI has become a significant part of my process. After creating a mood board, I use AI to generate faces and textures, making it the foundation of my work. AI is evolving rapidly, and I believe it's crucial to integrate it into your work or at least learn how to use it to your advantage.
Can you describe a project that you’re particularly proud of and explain what made it stand out for you?
One project I'm really proud of is my AI photo series, "Unveiling a Century of Beauty." Each image in the series represents a different decade, highlighting the evolution of makeup and hairstyles. The series delves into how beauty has been a form of self-expression, resistance, and societal change. I focused on portraying women from minority groups who haven’t received the recognition they deserve. To showcase this work, I collaborated with a metaverse designer to create a personalized gallery on the Oncyber platform.
How do you incorporate feedback from critics and audiences into your artistic practice, and how do you balance this feedback with your own artistic intuition?
I believe constructive criticism is vital in an artist’s journey. It helps you grow and improve. I listen carefully to feedback and incorporate it where it aligns with my vision, but I try as much as I can to always trust my intuition to guide my creative direction even though it can be hard sometimes.
How do you stay motivated and inspired despite any setbacks or creative blocks you may encounter?
When I feel blocked, I take a step back and give myself some time to recharge. Doing things I love, like listening to music, going to the museum, spending time with friends, or exploring new places, helps refresh my mind. This way, ideas come to me more naturally when I return to my project.
How do you feel about exhibiting your artworks with The Holy Art Gallery?
I'm very excited! It’s always inspiring to see other artists' work and share the experience of showcasing our creations together.
Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals and aspirations as an artist, and how do you plan to achieve them?
I aim to continue working as a photographer and creative director while expanding my AI image-making business for beauty and fashion brands. I also want to keep blending AI images with traditional craftsmanship in my art projects.
What role does emotion play in your creative process, and how do you aim to evoke specific feelings or reactions from those who view your artworks?Emotion is central to my creative process and as weird as it can sound but the more overwhelmed and emotional I feel, the more creative I become. I’m a very passionate person and I need to be in this state of mind when I create. Sometimes, I love blending psychology and sociology with art, making a statement but always in a beautiful way.
