The Musée Océanographique de Monaco, is definitely the temple of Art and Science, cornerstones of human civilisation, in the footsteps of Prince Albert I, great grand-father of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco. Being committed to the cause of ocean biodiversity conservation is a must for Monaco Oceanographic Museum and Institute (Prince Albert I Foundation). The artistic installation "Les Géants des Glaces" (Ice Giants) by Michel Bassompierre on display from the 10th April until the 6th October 2024 will celebrate polar bears and emperor penguins, both considered as emblematic species of the Poles, put at risk by climate change.
The Parisian artist, particularly sensitive to the world of nature and scientific research, aims at raising awareness on the major challenges Polar Regions have to face. This temporary exhibition is part of the Polar Mission program carried by the Oceanographic Institute since 2022, in partnership with Galeries Bartoux.
Michel Bassompierre, represented by seven monumental sculptures spread inside the iconic Museum and the roof terrace, goes straight to the point reinterpreting Nature through an innovative round-shaped storytelling of immediate impact. Five new creations from Bassompierre's will be unveiled within this unique showroom. A parade of original drawings and sketches will also be shown in the Conference Room, accompanied by a documentary film about the artists' intimate production.
The mission of the artist is clear. Michel Bassompierre highlighted: « The duty of every artist is perhaps to share the sense of beauty, to create wonder. This reconnection to the Beauty of Nature is necessary to make you want to protect it».
Robert Calcagno, Director General of the Oceanographic Institute, pointed out: « By arousing wonder, these fragile colossus question and challenge visitors on the extreme vulnerability of these species. These art works put the public in direct contact with the current challenges of the protection of biodiversity by allowing them to participate in our historical mission: to make known, love and protect the Ocean».
Short Biography of Michel Bassompierre
Born in 1948 in Paris in a family of artists and scientists, Michel Bassompierre was fond of drawing and fauna from an early age. On the base of these premises, he stands out in animal sculpture by imposing himself as one of the contemporary Grand Masters. In love with round-shaped animals like: bears, gorillas, Asian elephants, or horses that he designs in bronze or marble of Carrara, the artist creates forms at the same time soft and precise, never interrupted by shady areas. Far from any anthropomorphism, he is always inspired by his «animal brother» as it presents itself to his eyes in its majestic bearing. His monumental production has literally seduced a wide audience around the world, from Miami to London passing through Valencia, New York or Venice. His works have been exhibited at the François Pompon Museum (2022), the Rosa Bonheur Museum (2024) but also in major urban areas in France, notably: Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Saint-Malo, Saint-Tropez, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Honfleur, etc.
To know more about 'Les Géants des Glaces', temporary exhibition, please visit:
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By Maurice Abbati
Journalist; Editor; Communication, Media and Public Relations Specialist
Lecturer and Author in English language of Technical Articles and the Manual: "Communicating the Environment to Save the Planet, a Journey into Eco-Communication" by Springer International Publishing.
