On March 25, the legendary Reial Cercle Artístic of Barcelona hosted the unveiling of Houda Bakkali’s latest work, marking the first-ever exhibition at this historic institution to blend mixed-media canvases with augmented reality, placing the female figure at its core.

With more than 140 years of artistic tradition, the venue provided a symbolic stage for this groundbreaking fusion of heritage and innovation.

Bakkali emphasized the value that new technologies bring to traditional art. She highlighted how augmented reality and digital tools expand the role of art beyond art and galleries, finding new applications in cultural, medical, educational, sports, and tourism contexts.

“Digital art is versatility, innovation, and imagination. A canvas confines content to a fixed space, while digital tools render it infinite adding extraordinary value across industries.

Digital art allows us to shape diverse narratives, measure engagement, trace impact, and respond instantly. It represents change, dynamism, and innovation principles that traditional art must embrace as part of its own evolution. It opens doors for artists and institutions, deepening their connection with audiences. In many ways, it democratizes art, making it more accessible, more easily understood, and more memorable. It reveals the messages within artworks and offers insights into the creative process in a more interactive, educational way.

New digital formats create spaces that not only enhance the appreciation of traditional art but also enable it to transcend conventional boundaries” Houda Bakkali stated.