Carbon/Chroma

Mark Bettis Gallery is pleased to announce an art show featuring new works by mixed-media artist Nabil El Jaouhari beginning August 8th, 2026 at Bettis’ River Arts District Asheville gallery. Showcasing a vibrant evolution to the artists signature style.

In Carbon/Chroma, El Jaouhari explores the fertile tension between destruction and renewal. The title reflects the work’s dual forces: the scorched, organic textures of wood burning and torchwork (carbon) set against bursts of vivid pigment and radiant light (chroma).

This body of work brings together intricate mixed-media compositions that bridge traditional craft and contemporary abstraction. Each piece moves between erosion and illumination, surface and depth, memory and reinvention.

Key elements of the work include:

Pyrography & Torchwork
Deep, rhythmic patterns are burned directly into the wood, forming a raw, tactile foundation.

Artistic Rebirth
Fragments from the artist’s earlier paintings are reintroduced through collage, allowing past works to re-emerge in new contexts.

Luminous Accents
Gold leaf and high-saturation color catch and reflect light, creating a striking counterpoint to the charred surfaces.

“Carbon/Chroma” exhibition will run from August 8th, 2026 through August 22nd, 2026, at the Mark Bettis River Arts District Gallery located at 123 Roberts St. Asheville, NC. The gallery will be hosting an opening night reception on Saturday, August 8th from 5 to 7pm. The reception is free and open to the public; refreshments will be served. All works will be available for purchase.

Mark Bettis Gallery hours are Monday - Thursday from 10 am to 4pm, Friday-Saturday 10 am to 5 pm, Sunday 11 pm to 3 pm. The gallery is located in the River Arts District at 123 Roberts Street, Asheville NC 28801. The gallery features unique and distinctive works of art in a variety of mediums including contemporary paintings, glass, sculpture and mixed media.

For more information about the upcoming “Carbon/Chroma” exhibition, please visit markbettisgallery.com or contact Mark or Sam at Mark Bettis Gallery at 828-660-4968 or [email protected]