Step into the Salle d’Exposition at Quai Antoine Ier, and you’ll find yourself in the middle of a fascinating artistic time warp. Organised by the Direction des Affaires Culturelles, the exhibition ‘Des ateliers aux ateliers’ invites visitors to journey through the lens of photographer Michel Sima, whose work offers a rare glimpse into the ateliers of some of the 20th century’s most iconic artists. It all began in the mid-1940s when Sima snapped the now-famous photos of Pablo Picasso in his studio, marking the start of a career that would see him capture the essence of the École de Paris artists.
Curated by Donatien Grau, the Louvre’s go-to guy for contemporary programs, this exhibition artfully bridges the gap between modern masterpieces and today’s cutting-edge creations. The exhibition space is strategically located near the “Ateliers du Quai,” an international artist residency that showcases Monaco’s rich artistic heritage.
Adding a fresh twist to the classic artist-in-the-studio theme, the exhibition offers a carte blanche to Théo Casciani, a young resident artist whose work blurs the lines between literature, visual arts, and live performance. Casciani’s exploration of the concept of the atelier will unfold through public discussions, a series of interviews, film screenings, a sound piece recording, concerts, and performances. In other words, expect more than just pretty pictures on the walls.
For those eager to get their hands dirty, the exhibition also features a range of workshops and courses for younger audiences, with a special focus on drawing and the visual arts. If you’re not in the mood to create, guided tours are available to ensure you don’t miss a single brushstroke of this tribute to the creative process.
