In the heart of Monaco’s cultural season, the works of renowned Monegasque artist Hubert Clerissi will take center stage in a major retrospective exhibition, Hubert Clerissi – Espaces ciselés, set to open on Thursday, February 20 at the Salle d’Exposition du Quai Antoine Ier. Supported by the Mairie de Monaco in collaboration with the Direction des Affaires Culturelles and the prestigious Pavillon Bosio – École Supérieure d’Arts Plastiques, the exhibition promises an intimate exploration of an artist whose disciplined yet expressive style has left a lasting imprint on the artistic landscape.

Hubert Clerissi’s work is deeply personal, shaped by the imposing presence of his father, an architect, and his own journey toward artistic independence. Emerging in the post-war period, his style evolved from the precision of architectural form to a freer, more emotional relationship with line. His cityscapes, defined by sharp structural rigour, reveal both order and depth of feeling, while his watercolours capture a delicate, wavering fragility, reflecting a world in constant tension between control and spontaneity. Drawing inspiration from masters such as Utrillo, Dufy, and Buffet, Clerissi’s artistic universe is a testament to his pursuit of transcendence and freedom.

The exhibition, curated by artist and scenographer Leah Friedman, with artistic direction by Nadia Omiecinski, Clerissi’s daughter, will also feature an innovative scenographic approach designed by Maria Magdalena David and Illona Rougemond-Mosconi. Both artists are part of Décors, the post-Master program at Pavillon Bosio, which supports emerging professionals in scenography through real-world commissions and cultural partnerships. Their immersive design will offer visitors a fresh perspective on Clerissi’s work, emphasising the dynamic interplay between structure and emotion.

In addition to the exhibition, a series of workshops will provide an opportunity for the public to engage more deeply with Clerissi’s techniques and artistic philosophy. The exhibition, open daily from 11:00 to 18:00 until Wednesday, March 12, is free to the public, offering an unmissable chance to discover the nuanced and intricate world of one of Monaco’s most distinctive artistic voices.

Featured image by Hubert Clerissi: ‘The Swallow in the Port of Monaco’ acrylic on canvas 1980