Named as one of the most promising art events in Europe, the Monaco Art Week 5th Edition under the High Patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco took place on July 4-9th with the support of Chic Icon magazine as the official media partner. Alina Dyachenko, the CEO & Founder of Chic Icon, had a great chance to meet personally and talk on the most burning topics with Louise Gréther (Sotheby’s Monaco), President of the Monaco Art Week, and Caroline Davaripour Jelmoni (Kamil Art Gallery), General Secretary of the Monaco Art Week.
How do you see the development of Monaco Art Week throughout the years? What achievements did you acquire?
L.G.: Since its launch in 2018 by a core group of founders, Monaco Art Week (MAW) has grown from strength to strength. Its primary aim was to firmly place the Principality on the art map and to champion the diversity of the galleries and auction houses in the Principality. We believe that one of our main achievements has been to raise local and international awareness about Monaco’s rich art offering and the spirit of collaboration amongst the members. Monaco is in the heart of Europe and despite its small size, is already offering a top-class cultural program throughout the year.
C.D.J: In general, there are numerous approaches to track the development of such an event. We have seen this event grow in terms of the quantity of participating galleries and auction houses. The event showcases a wide range of creative talent, from modern and contemporary art to design and high jewellery creation.
We are delighted to welcome a growing number of visitors every year, consolidating the project as a major art event in Monaco.
What are the plans for the upcoming years? Any goals to achieve in the future?
C.D.J: Over time, Monaco Art Week may gain international recognition, attracting artists and visitors from around the world. This can elevate the event’s status in the global art community.
The development of this annual art week can be quite dynamic and impactful. Over the years, we can expect new collaborations with artists, galleries, and art enthusiasts. As the event gains recognition, it can attract collectors from a wider geographical area. MAW has a positive economic impact in Monaco. It boosts tourism, local businesses, and the art market.
It’s important to note that the development of MAW depends on various factors, including local support, leadership, funding, and the evolving trends in the art world. Each art week’s journey is unique, shaped by the vision of its organizers and the response of the artistic community and the public.
L.G.: MAW is timed to coincide with the artmonte-carlo fair and we look forward to building on this precious collaboration and dynamic in future years. With renewed vigor we look forward to developing MAW and building on its already strong name. One of our goals is to attract international recognition and entice art lovers from all over the world to the Principality. We may think about a second week during the year aimed at the local and wider community.
What was special about Monaco Art Week’s 5th edition this year?
C.D.J: Monaco Art Week’s 5th edition has been special in several ways, making it a unique and memorable event for artists and art lovers.
As we have already mentioned, MAW provides an opportunity to discover a wide range of creative work from different periods and through different medium: painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography, design, jewellery.
The event creates new synergies within Monegasque cultural programming, with a close collaboration with artmonte-carlo art fair, or special exhibition such as Ward Moretti’s Impressionism: Painting from Nature in echoes of Grimaldi’s summer show Monet in Full Light.
The programme reflects the dynamism and commitment of its members if some exhibitions have re the modern history of the Côte d’Azur, like the Chagall collection unveiled by Sotheby’s, or others tell contemporary stories, as is the case at Galerie Kamil, where we are inviting Panamanian artist Olga Sinclair, in collaboration with the Panamanian Embassy and the AMLA association.
While some exhibitions have highlighted the modern history of the Côte d’Azur, such as the Chagall collection unveiled by Sotheby’s, or historical Ceramics from the 50s to the 70s at Lebreton, others tell current stories, with great solo show of contemporary artists, such as Olga Sinclair at Kamil gallery, Mary Ronayne presented by HOFA at YellowKorner Monaco, Jane Gemayel at Galerie Adriano Ribolzi or David Bailey at G&M Design.
Please name the Top 5 artworks that were introduced during the Monaco Art Week this year?
C.D.J: Marc Chagall at Sotheby’s, Pierre Bonnard presented by Ward Moretti at Moretti Fine Art, John Chamberlain at Hauser and Wirth, Fernando Botero at Opera Gallery, Olga Sinclair at Kamil Art Gallery.
Do you have any personal favorites?
C.D.J: I really like Mary Ronayne’s world presented by HOFA in addition to Olga Sinclair’s enthusiasm and charisma at Kamil Art Gallery.
The exquisite collection of mid-century ceramics in the tiniest gallery in Monaco, Le Breton.
The walking sculpture tour presented by Artcurial in association with the SBM in the gardens and palaces of the Principality.
What is the main tendency in art in 2023?
C.D.J: Year to year, art trends can differ significantly and are impacted by a variety of things, including cultural changes, technology developments, and the artistic expression of individual artists.
While there are generally trends in art, such as the return of painting, which reflects a market, or environmental themes that reflect global social concerns, MAW offers a wide variety of programming. It brings to light the richness and diversity of Monaco’s cultural players.
What is the main goal of Monaco Art Week?
C.D.J: Over time, MAW may gain international recognition, attracting artists and visitors from around the world. This can elevate the event’s status in the global art community.
The Monaco Art Week was created with the aim of federating and highlighting Monegasque artistic proposals. We hope that the event will consolidate over time and become an annual meeting point, offering a quality programme that attracts new collectors and art lovers every year.
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