Shira Barzilay, an artist renowned for her iconic work, has turned the world into her canvas through her influential platform, @koketit. Based in Tel Aviv, her Instagram account has amassed an impressive following of over half a million, highlighting her global reach and the impact of her unique and captivating art. Shira’s artistic journey captivates audiences worldwide as she blends distinctive drawing techniques with mixed media to create pieces that resonate with depth and emotion. Her art speaks to a contemporary audience while addressing philosophical themes and social observations, inviting interpretation that makes it both engaging and relatable.
When discussing how her environment influences her work, Shira notes, “Tel Aviv is an inspiring place to live — full of energy, creativity, and contradictions. But when it comes to my art, the inspiration tends to come from a more internal place. My process is very intuitive and personal — it’s less about where I am physically, and more about where I am emotionally.” She reflects on how her creative process is informed by her surroundings: “I draw from the films I watch, the podcasts I listen to, and the people I surround myself with. My close circle — friends, family, conversations — provides the stability and stimulation that keeps me grounded and curious. When I sit down to create, I enter a space with no rules. It’s a deep inward dive that allows new ideas to surface, completely on their own terms.”
What sets Shira apart is her evocative drawing style, which combines a variety of mediums to create layered and thought-provoking artworks. Her unique vision has attracted collaborations with some of the most prestigious brands in the industry, including Cartier, Elizabeth Arden, Vogue Portugal, Harper’s Bazaar, Lenovo, Revlon, and N’kd. Most recently, Shira worked on a design collaboration with Zara, further solidifying her status in the art and fashion worlds. In May 2022, she launched her first cover collaboration with the international publication Elle Norway, featuring her art on its Green Issue, showcasing her talent to an even broader audience.
With the recent success of her NFT collection, titled ‘Elements by Koketit,’ Shira’s foray into digital art has captured the attention of many. She describes her experience with NFTs as a transformative moment: “My experience with NFTs opened a whole new door for me. It was exciting to be part of a moment that introduced so many people to digital art in new, dynamic ways.” She emphasizes the potential of digital mediums, stating, “What interests me most is how digital tools — especially AI — are expanding the boundaries of imagination. I’m now fully immersed in creating with AI, and it’s a powerful shift. It allows me to explore new dimensions, to dream bigger, and to bring concepts to life that would’ve been impossible before. I believe we’re only at the beginning of understanding how digital and traditional mediums can coexist, elevate one another, and redefine what art can be.”
In addition to traditional media, Shira has demonstrated her innovative approach by launching her first NFT collection, which consists of 800 art pieces that sold out in a remarkable 97 seconds. This collection reflects the growing demand among art collectors for digital art, while the innovations in her work add an exciting new dimension to her creative expression. Recognized for its philosophical and evocative nature, her distinctive style captivates the eye and encourages viewers to reflect on the world around them. This ability to weave profound themes into visually stunning pieces is what makes her work stand out.
As she navigates her collaborations with various global brands, Shira is intentional about maintaining her artistic integrity. She explains, “I’m very intentional about the collaborations I take on. I look for shared values and mutual curiosity — that’s the foundation for anything meaningful. What I’ve found is that when I create authentically and share openly, the right projects find me. Many of my collaborations begin with ideas I post on Instagram — creative seeds that naturally evolve into partnerships. It’s a bit like creative matchmaking. I always say that Koketit — which comes from the Hebrew word for ‘coquettish’ — is a philosophy. It’s about playfully flirting with ideas, the world, and creative possibility. That energy draws in collaborators who speak the same visual language. When it clicks, it feels effortless.”
Shira’s art has garnered attention across numerous prestigious magazines and platforms, including SD Magazine, MONPURE, Vogue Portugal, Elle Norway, Calcalist, Forbes, and The Art Gorgeous, among others, showcasing her impact in the field and the increasing recognition of her talent. Shira Barzilay’s journey as an artist is an inspiring tale of creativity, collaboration, and innovation. With her unique artistic voice and successful ventures into NFTs, she continues to redefine the boundaries of art, and as she forges ahead, the world waits eagerly to see the next chapter of her artistic narrative unfold.
Photo credits: The photographs are the property of the artist. On the cover: Shira Barzilay wearing her art coat.
Written by Joanna Longawa
Leave a Reply