Monegasque artist Philippe Pastor has launched his latest exhibition, North Pole, in Milan, reaffirming his position as one of the most striking voices in contemporary ecological art. Known for his raw, expressive style and unwavering commitment to environmental issues, Pastor continues to use his work as both a creative outlet and a form of activism.
The exhibition is spread across two distinct spaces: a traditional gallery and a neighbouring 2,000 m² former industrial hangar converted into a public art venue. Situated near the Fondazione Prada, the vast setting underscores the physicality of Pastor’s work, which often incorporates natural materials and large-scale canvases crafted in his 1,700 m² studio in Spain.
Pastor, who has spent more than three decades developing an approach grounded in humanist values, places environmental awareness at the centre of every project. His previous series — notably The Burned Trees — drew international attention for its stark portrayal of the fragility of nature. The new Milan showcase follows the same trajectory, this time focusing on the symbolism of ice, polar landscapes, and the accelerating consequences of climate change.
Curator Caroline Corbetta highlights Pastor’s consistency: “Each new series addresses a different environmental emergency. Whether he’s confronting melting ice caps or pollution at sea, he reminds us of the problems humanity continues to inflict on the planet.”
The Milan exhibition includes ten large-scale works that blend technical mastery with an urgent message. Some pieces incorporate natural elements such as oak leaves, chosen for their durability, reinforcing the link between the material world and the ecological themes Pastor explores. Works sourced for the show include pigments gathered in the Atlas Mountains, reflecting the artist’s ongoing connection to raw, elemental materials.
Edmondo di Robilant, co-owner of the gallery, notes the immediacy of the partnership: “Philippe’s work resonates because it speaks directly to the atmosphere of the 21st century. His sensitivity to global issues and his ability to translate them into a powerful visual language make him an essential contemporary voice.”
Pastor’s ties to Monaco remain central to his identity. Though his career takes him around the world, he describes the Principality as his anchor — and nature as his essential refuge. His role as a cultural ambassador has grown steadily, with his works featured in major international collections and exhibitions across Europe, Asia and the United States.
Blending sculpture, painting and assemblage, Pastor continues to explore the relationship between humanity and the environment with force and conviction. North Pole marks another chapter in this expansive body of work, offering a striking combination of aesthetic intensity and ecological warning.
“My paintings carry the message,” Pastor says. “The work creates a space for dialogue — about art, about urgency, and about the future we’re shaping.”
