Béatrice Mellinger

Béatrice Lampla Mellinger, aka Bela, her artist signature, was born on the French Caribbean island of Martinique. Art has always been an important part of Bela's life. She studied painting extensively, and continues to be an avid learner and educator.

Bela's paintings incorporate multicultural references from her Asian, African, and European ancestors, and from her birthplace, with its own multiethnic heritage.

Bela has travelled extensively, lived in many countries across several continents and believes that her paintings convey her rich experience. "Painting is a universal language that enhances the awareness, as well as the understanding, of other cultures", says Béatrice Lampla Mellinger.

Bela currently resides in Washington DC where she continues to create her vibrant work.

Artist Statement

I have always been attracted to art in all its forms. However, it was not until my adult life that I dedicated myself to painting.

Painting gives the artist endless possibilities, through an infinite range of combinations of colors, patterns, forms, lines and shapes. I try to fuse personality, emotions, and creativity to achieve a universal resonance.

Abstract painting, especially, gives me more freedom to the creative process. Abstraction keeps the viewer wondering what the artist was thinking or feeling while creating the artwork. There are always multiple interpretations. As Degas said: “Art is not what you see but what you make others see.”

Painting allows me to reconcile my multicultural references: the influence of my Asian, African and European ancestors; my birthplace, Martinique, with its own multiethnic heritage; the various countries I have traveled to, the years spent in Latin America, in the south of France, and the Western civilization in which I am culturally grounded.

Presenting my work allows me to share insights with art lovers and other artists. This mutual interaction is very important for the development of my art and the evolution of my work.