Bringing art lovers from across the globe into one gallery may seem like an impossible dream…
Yet thanks to the metaverse, a tool actively supported and incubated within the Principality, that vision is becoming a reality. Monaco, long a hub for cultural innovation, is now positioning itself at the forefront of a technological shift that merges creativity with virtual worlds.
At its simplest, the metaverse can be described as a fully customisable digital environment. Web Consult, founded three years ago, has made it its mission to ensure art is visible “everywhere, all the time,” provided there is an internet connection. For emerging artists, the model is particularly appealing. Rather than facing the daunting costs of securing gallery space, they can create a permanent universe of their own by paying only once, giving them a lasting platform to showcase their work.
Hundreds of artists have already embraced the technology, as have restaurants and other venues seeking to offer visitors a complementary virtual experience. Among the early adopters is Monegasque artist Laurence Jenkell, who has built a parallel world where she can meet clients, host conferences, and even stage exhibitions. Her universe reflects her signature creative language, extending beyond her iconic candy sculptures into new realms of imagination.
“This is a new showcase for my art,” Jenkell explains, noting that the metaverse also creates opportunities to connect with curators, galleries, auction houses, foundations, and other artists worldwide.
A team of nine developers works daily to power these metaverses, but it is ultimately the artists who give them life. With transactions possible in cryptocurrency, the metaverse represents not only a novel approach to art but also one that is aligned with the evolving dynamics of global finance.
