Haute Living Exclusive Review: Art Monte Carlo By Nataliya Cola

As a relatively new exhibition of contemporary arts, ‘Art Monte Carlo’ was established as a platform for the genre in the South of France. The goal? Drawing together the talents of many, to create a regional hot spot all anew for art collectors and art lovers alike at an international level. 

Unsurprisingly, Art Monaco’s preview held on the 24th of April, which anticipated the opening of the Exhibition, instantly embedded itself as one of the most popular events of Spring 2019 within the Principality. 

Galleries from all around the world were present at the hosting Grimaldi Forum, with exhibitions at both the New National Museum of Monaco and the PAD Art Fair also serving as stunningly impressive. Indeed Art Monaco, curated by Swiss Musician and Art Critic Thomas Hug, served as an appropriate, true to life representation of the spirit and taste of luxury found throughout Monaco and the Cote d’Azur. 

Many of the galleries within the Grimaldi Forum presented works by talented, young artists alongside those from the more established artists of our time. The Galleria Continua, for example, and representing the little Tuscan town of San Gimignano, showcased works from one Anish Kapoor. It was his unique offering called ‘Split’ in oriental blue and cobalt blue from 2018, which attracted a groundswell of attention.  

Artvera’s Gallery emanating from Geneva, in step with the same principle of exhibiting works from famous European painters alongside new young names, presented a piece from Petr Konchalovsky, called ‘Pinetree 1918’, uniquely impressive, complimented by works from Alexej von Jawlensky, Kees van Dongen, Philip Malievin and Edvard Munch which appeared in parallel throughout. Also participating alongside such venerable company were works by Korean artist, Jung Hai Yun, with one in particular named ‘Plan B’ appearing as an ambitious oriental water-color on thick mulberry paper. 

Plan B sold on the Art Monte Carlo preview day within its first hour of opening.  

Indeed despite the relatively small size of the exhibition, PAD Art Fair was characterized by a sense of seasoning in the choice of well-selected pieces which were met by Monaco’s well-established fanfare and appreciation. Even though this was its debut in Monte Carlo, following the successes held at PAD Geneva and the well-established PAD London and Paris, PAD Monte Carlo clearly generated a worthwhile response from the Principality, where the love of design remains an integral part of everyday living. 

PAD represented 26 international galleries –  including highlighted vintage and contemporary jewelry, with impressive jewelry also on display from British designer Glenn Spiro causing great interest among PAD visitors. Glenn made his name with his extraordinary colored gemstones, which are mostly unique pieces of jewelry art. 

One of the best furniture displays at PAD Monte Carlo was a French House entitled ‘Maison Rapin’. The talented designer behind it, Philippe Rapin, has created a bespoke collection which formed one of the most incredible showcases on hand. 

As seemingly the case with so many Exhibitions, Events and Galas held within the Principality, many modeled from past podiums established abroad, Art Monte Carlo has the potential to now be positioned as a mainstay within the Annual Calendar in Monaco. As a diverse venue bringing together art in all its forms from all across the world, Art Monaco by design catered to a long-quiet yet vociferous appetite for the fine arts and showcased voices anew and established in the process.

I look forward to keeping our readers abreast of exciting developments to come in Arts & Lifestyle.