Beyond Beauty: The Power Of Unity
In The Shadows And Light, Where Unity And Beauty Converge, Why Nothing Is Abstract In My Expression About Saving The Planet.
A Dance with Destruction
My journey through the creation of the Burnt Trees series, those soaring 7-meter sculptures, was less about artistry and more about a desperate plea to the world. Each sculpture was not just an object of beauty but a beacon of warning against the environmental catastrophes threatening our very existence. While working in my former atelier in La Garde Freinet, near Saint Tropez, I was trapped in a devastating forest fi re that raged for several days. Surrounded by the haunting beauty of destruction, I carried charred remnants of trees to my workshop. Merging them with the twisted metal of wrecked cars, I sought to capture the poignant paradox of human progress and its cost to nature. These monumental installations, once showcased in front of the Monte Carlo Casino for the Monegasque Red Cross Gala in July 2022, have found their presence across the globe—at Paris’ Gare du Nord, the vibrant city of Nice, the United Nations headquarters in Nairobi—and been featured in cultural hubs like Milan, New York and Singapore. Right now, they have taken place in front of the Suvretta Hotel in Saint Moritz. If it were within my power, I would line France’s highways with these replanted, blackened trees, serving as a stark, poignant reminder of the fi res that have scarred their existence and the urgent need to protect our planet.
Reflections in Monochrome
My monochrome paintings, a fi fteen-year odyssey, are not mere artistic endeavors but a deep meditation on the Earth’s dwindling water resources. The glacier series, particularly, brings to life the harsh realities of the North Pole—a world where the purity of white, the depth of black and the fragile hint of sky blue narrate a story of beauty in despair. In this narrative, beauty is overshadowed by the urgency of the message it carries. As time weaves, I’ve come a point where all I want is a peaceful tranquil life and to put all my energy in my art, while Rani Vanouska, with her profound sensitivity and unity of purpose, nurtures the growth and outreach of my work amongst the most important collectors, galleries and museums. Together, we have sculpted a path where my art not only speaks but resonates with the audience.
An Alliance with Rani Vanouska
Our paths intertwined in the mountains four years ago, in a moment that transcended time and space. It was a meeting of minds and hearts, fostering a friendship rooted in mutual respect and admiration. Her passionate advocacy for the United Nations goals, particularly her dedication to the campaign of inscribing football as a cultural heritage, which she ingeniously linked with the art world, deeply moved me. When our paths merged once more, it felt like destiny—entrusting her with the vision of expanding my gallery on Avenue Princess Grace was not just a decision but a leap of faith. Her extraordinary connection with the art world transformed this vision into a reality, stirring up the little Monegasque art world in masterful ways. In our partnership, we aspire to carve a path in the art world that goes beyond the canvas, where each stroke, each color, speaks of our deep connection with the environment. Though this vision may at times seem unorthodox, it remains true to our collective yearning for a world in harmony with nature.
MAKING MONACO SHINE
Artists like Philippe Pastor are messengers of peace, they carry a message and they have a real vision of life. In today’s world it is rare to see an artist who speaks with his soul and with his heart, and this is why I embarked on this adventure with him. Philippe is more than just an artist; he’s a visionary, a poet in paint and elements, whose voice echoes through his creations. He is a beacon of transformative emotion, a creator whose work doesn’t just hang on walls, but pulsates with life. In an art world often clouded by insincerity, Philippe’s creations shine with a raw, unfiltered truth that resonates deeply with me. It’s this authenticity that drew me to stand beside him. Philippe, through my eyes, is a maestro of the canvas, a conjurer of the elements. His art is a passionate dance between nature and imagination, igniting a fire of emotions. This profound connection with the natural world is not just art—it is a living, breathing story that touches the soul for our future, a story I am dedicated to sharing with the world. Our journey together started as a saga, weaving a tapestry of impactful collaborations and great achievements. From the heart of Paris with awe-inspiring exhibits on the Champs-Élysées to a well renowned gallery on Rue de Monceau, our collaborative spirit stretched across oceans to Hong Kong and made waves at prestigious art fairs in Brussels, Seoul and London. And now, in a thrilling new chapter, Philippe joins the ranks of the international gallery Robilant+Voena, in New York, London and Milan. This winter, we prepare to unveil a breathtaking exhibition at the Paracelsus Museum in Saint Moritz, a venue synonymous with contemporary art legends like Damien Hirst and Sean Scully. With 25 years of experience, Philippe is the most important artist of Monaco, who makes the Principality shine.
—Rani Vanouska T. Modely
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