Artists of Coffee Shops: When Art and Aroma Intertwine
As the global craving for quality coffee continues to rise, a parallel trend has quietly but powerfully emerged: the integration of modern art into the very spaces where coffee is consumed. In cafés across the world—and especially in Dubai—coffee shops are evolving into galleries, their walls adorned with bold, expressive, and thought-provoking works.
Curious about this growing connection between art and coffee, I visited World Art Dubai 2025. There, I spoke to several artists who helped unpack the reasons behind this cultural blend. The consensus was clear: as appreciation for fine coffee grows, so too does the desire for meaningful and aesthetic environments in which to enjoy it.
Simply put, the deeper our appreciation for the taste and aroma of coffee becomes, the more natural it feels to pair that experience with visual and emotional stimulation through art. And when the two come together, they elevate one another—flavor enhances feeling, and art enhances ambiance.
Pop Art, Coffee, and Culture
One of the standout voices was Chocherko, known in the art world as PopArtQuinn. I asked him how art and coffee have found such a strong synergy in Dubai, a city now recognized for both its cutting-edge art scene and world-class cafés.
“Actually, I designed one of my own pieces specifically for a Dubai coffee shop,” he shared. “It featured Lady Gaga drinking coffee from a large cup. The artwork captured this idea of Obsessive Coffee Disorder. Coffee has become a lifestyle—part of our identity. There’s even an existential element here, especially in empowering women through culture and visibility.”
The Geometry of Flavor and Feeling
Ukrainian artist Yana Rusnak also offered a poetic perspective. Known for using geometric shapes to explore spiritual and emotional growth, Rusnak sees direct parallels between the structure of her art and the ritual of coffee.
“The triangle symbolizes manifestation, enlightenment, and growth. Coffee beans, to me, are like circles—eternal, complete. In a spiritual sense, both represent connection and creativity. Coffee shops bring people together, just like art does. They’re spaces of harmony, contrast, and expression. A good coffee blend mirrors the balance in my artistic vision.”
Shades of Thought in Black and White
Barcelona-based artist Carla Gia explores duality in her black-and-white pieces, using contrast as a metaphor—much like a cup of coffee balancing the richness of espresso with the softness of milk.
“Black represents resilience and strength. White stands for purity and authenticity. Together, they reflect the inner contradictions we all carry. Like coffee, art helps us pause and reflect. A coffee shop becomes a space not just for conversation but contemplation.”
Industrial Beauty and Italian Influence
Finally, I met Tigi Mezzanzanica, a young photographer from Milan, whose industrial-meets-artistic style is shaped by her background in fashion photography.
“I’ve shot for Prada and Gucci, and I’ve noticed how often coffee cups and cafés are used as global symbols in branding. Coffee shops, especially in Dubai, are designed like photo sets—they’re visually perfect. They speak a universal language.”
From Milan to Kyiv, from Barcelona to Dubai, a new movement is brewing—one where coffee is more than a beverage and art is more than decoration. In Dubai, especially, where the city pulses with both innovation and artistry, coffee shops are emerging as creative hubs that stimulate not only the senses but also the soul.
We are witnessing the evolution of the modern café—not just as a place to drink coffee, but as a canvas where the worlds of art and aroma merge. And as lovers of both, we couldn’t be more delighted.
By: Serkan Oral
