The Red and Whites were defeated Saturday at home at Stade Louis II by RC Lens, leaving them with a rather dismal record for the first three games of Ligue 1 play this season.
You could say AS Monaco is on a losing streak, and you’d not be wrong. After their losses last week to Lorient in Ligue 1 and Shakhtar Donetsk in Champions League, the team followed it up by a nil to two loss at home to Lens.
The first half, which was played in stifling heat, was rather uneventful as both sides struggled to find a groove. It wasn’t until 51 minutes in that a goal was scored, though sadly it was for the opposing team. Ignatius Ganago struck fast and hard giving Lens a one-point advantage.
This was followed up a few minutes later by a rather ugly fouling incident between Cheick Doucouré and Krépin Diatta which saw the Lens man chucked off the field.
Monaco kept up the pressure, with a fantastic strike from Caio Henrique and a goalmouth scramble that almost put them on the board.
Another foul, this time by Aleksandr Golovin in the 86th, evened up both sides, who then sat at 10 players each. The Red and Whites simply couldn’t find their legs and, in the end, conceded another goal in overtime leaving the final score at two to nil for Lens.
“It was our worst match of the season,” said a rather disappointed Coach Niko Kovac. “We didn’t have a lot of chances. It reminds me of some from last season. To maintain the same level of performance as last season, we have to do even more because our opponents now have more of an idea about us. To be successful again, we will have to fight harder.”
The players now need to get their heads back in the game if they hope to defeat Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday in Ukraine and continue their hopes in the Champions League.
Monaco Life with AS Monaco press release photo by AS Monaco
Luxe Pack, the “go-to” event for premium packaging for the past 30 years, is returning in September with a new green twist, supported by the Prince’s Foundation.
Luxury packaging managers from around the world are uniting in the Principality for Luxe Pack Monaco. The three-day conference, which was cancelled last year due to Covid, will be offering creative innovations, sustainable solutions, new designs and digital advances for companies looking for alternative packaging for their products.
Whether it is for jewellery, perfumes, cosmetics, fashion, food, drink or anything in between, the 490 exhibitors at Luxe Pack have a vast array of choice for producer looking to have a cutting-edge look and the most-up-date packaging.
The show has also attracted, in addition to hundreds of exhibitors, more than 70 speakers and expects to receive over 9,000 visitors from 98 countries.
The packaging options are the main attraction, but the event will also provide company representatives with conferences and workshops designed to keep them up on market trends and inspired by successful case studies.
The top speaker at this year’s show is Jacques Playe, the Global Head of Packaging and Product Development at global beauty giant L’Oréal. His speech, ‘Packaging and Plastics: what future in the luxury sector?’ will be geared toward understanding and anticipating the future use of plastics in a world that is increasingly going green.
Luxe Pack’s on-going commitment to environmentally friendly alternatives in packaging, as well as to meet consumer demand in this area, led them to organise the Luxe Pack in green Awards, as part of the convention. Five jurists, including L’Oréal’s Playe and the Vice President of the Prince Albert II Foundation, Olivier Wenden, will select manufacturers who highlight eco-designed solutions and responsible approaches.
Additionally, many of the workshops will focus on eco-friendly solutions, with a big emphasis on sustainable and recycled packaging, lessening carbon footprints and the use of mono-material options.
Luxe Pack Monaco runs from 27th to 29th September at the Grimaldi Forum. The event is for professionals only, and free entry will be given to those who present their electronic badge or programme. All health and safety measures will be followed throughout the show to ensure the well-being of all involved.
Photo source: Grimaldi Forum
Artist Houda Bakkali: “Digital art is not a trend, it is the future”
Houda Bakkali is a Moroccan-Spanish artist embracing the digital era to produce truly unique, interactive works of art which she exhibits each year in the Principality.
Monaco Life sat down with the artist at Le Pinocchio restaurant in Monaco-Ville, where she is currently exhibiting, to understand more about her art techniques and what digital means for the future.
Monaco Life: We see digital techniques in mainstream media everywhere today – in advertisements, in film making – but what exactly is digital art?
Houda Bakkali: Digital art is like any other type of art. The unique difference is that we use digital tools to create it. It all starts with an idea, a concept, then you give it your soul and creativity to bring it to conception. An artist can use acrylic or oil paints, an iPad or laptop to materialise that idea. I think it is about time that we speak about digital art like any other type of art, because it is the same. Art starts in the soul of the artist, and they have to go through the exact same processes to bring it to life.
How do you create your art?
Sometimes I begin by putting my idea down on paper in pencil, then I use different tools on my iPad or laptop. In ‘Life is Beautiful’, for example, I used photos of flowers that I had taken and then I applied the digital tools to make a composition. Finally, I printed it and used acrylic to finish the artwork and give it texture. It is created using mixed media, combing traditional with a touch of digital.
Women feature heavily in your artwork, why is that?
My art is a tribute to my mother, particularly in the ‘Beautiful African Woman’ series. My mother was a very strong woman who believed in freedom and equality for all, which was not so easy for an Arab Muslim. But she defended the freedom to choose her future and make her own decisions. She is my biggest inspiration.
You also use a lot of colour in your works, and flowers, what are these meant to symbolise?
Life is about balancing the bad with the good; sometimes we have to focus on the solutions, not the problems. I have had a lot of tragedy in my life, I lost both my parents early, and I could have gone down or up. But I came to think of difficulties as a challenge and an opportunity to change. So, I am always looking for ways to express this idea, and I usually use flowers because they symbolise nature, something new, giving life – a short life but a continuous life. Happiness can be very short, but there is happiness, so take the moment. Carpe diem.
How do you respond to people who don’t consider digital art to be real art?
I try to explain that art starts with a concept. The tool is not important for me. Today, digital is one of the most exciting trends in art, we have NFTs that are going to move the world.
“Digital is not a trend, it is the future”
The most important thing about art is that there are no rules, art is open and it can help others to open their minds. As digital artists, we expect the public to understand that this is our work, our creativity, our story … the tools may be different, but the concept is the same.
There are many famous digital artists with works that are worth millions. People just need more information about the process, they need to be more confident in digital artists and their tools.
What is the main point of difference for you between traditional art and digital art?
Digital art doesn’t die. For example, there is the digital version of my artworks now, but tomorrow I can change them. Today, this artwork speaks one story to you, then tomorrow it is going to tell a different story. This is a very unique concept in the world of art. Digital art is not static, it is dynamic and alive with soul.
You apply technology in other ways to your art, can you tell us more about that?
With my piece ‘Life is Beautiful’, there is an app that allows you to see it in movement. You can see the story, and the girl speaks to you. Tomorrow, I can change it. You can sit in your house with your IPP and it is going to tell you another story.
I also use augmented reality. When people come to my exhibition, I can film them on my mobile surrounded by the art work.
For an artist, it means a lot when people take the time to come to an exhibition, so I don’t want to just present my artwork and explain the story, that’s boring, I want people to enjoy the whole experience, to have something different. Art must be like a therapy.
You mentioned NFTs, is this something you will be using? How do you respond to people’s opinion that if they can’t hold an artwork in their hands, if they can’t physically touch it, then it is not real?
But what is real in this life? I can’t reveal too many details just yet, but yes I am going to explore NFTs in a few months and I am very excited about that.
At first, I was very cautious, but now I have learned more and I believe that this is the future, this is my future because I create digital art. The main problem is misinformation about NFTs, or no information. If you have good information about how it works, the system and the rules, then you understand that this is the future so you have to put your artwork there, be a part of that community, be like the rest of the artists and enjoy it.
Education in digital art, the digital era and the concept of digital is really very important.
We have to be a little bit visionary. When I start with NFTs, I will feel like I am a part of the future, part of the revolution, and I love to feel like that.
The Monaco Red Cross has announced the release of special emergency funds to assist in humanitarian efforts being made on the ground in the war-torn state of Afghanistan.
As news of the Taliban returning to power in Afghanistan hits fever pitch, people around the world are worrying about the humanitarian implications that could be imposed by the regime, the Monegasque Red Cross amongst them.
At the request of Prince Albert II, President of the Red Cross, the organisation has released €100,000 in funds to be sent to the country.
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent movement (ICRC) work together to get involved in armed conflicts with the intention of protecting civilian non-combatants. In the case of Afghanistan, many associations are pulling out, but the Red Cross has vowed to remain and does not plan to reduce their presence.
They are focusing heavily on the needs of those who have been injured in the fighting.
“Our medical teams and our physical rehabilitation centres expect to receive more patients in the coming months and years, victims of the explosive devices that litter the country, many of whom have been planted in recent weeks. We are shocked to see so many children, young women and young men, pouring into our centres that these weapons have mutilated,” said Robert Mardini, director general of the ICRC, in a statement.
The Monegasque Red Cross is in perfect alignment with the ICRC, stating, “The operational focus is currently on health activities, especially for people wounded by weapons of war, and the dialogue concerning the impact of the current fighting on the civilian population.”
Additional donations are welcome and can be made directly on the website at www.croix-rouge.mc
The new mandate that health passes be required to enter bars and restaurants from Monday 23rd August will not be extended to Monaco residents and employees who wish to dine outside on terraces.
There are few things nicer than eating al fresco on a summer’s day, and now, for residents and employees in Monaco, there is the added bonus of not needing to present a health pass to do so, despite the new regulation coming into effect on 23rd August requiring one for entry to bars and restaurants.
The government cites a lower risk of contamination outdoors as the reasoning behind the decision, one that has been backed by the National Council via the Joint Monitoring Committee. The government makes a point of reminding people this is an ever-evolving situation, though, and the rules can be changed as and when they deem it necessary.
In addition to allowing residents a pass on the regulation for terraces, those who work, live or go to school in Monaco aged 16 and 17 will not be required to show a pass until 23rd September, allowing them an additional month to get vaccinated.
Meanwhile, the health pass will not be compulsory for 12 to 15-year-olds, unlike what is practiced in France.
“These measures illustrate the discernment that must be constantly exercised in order to adapt to the particular situation of our country,” said the National Council in a statement, adding “Indeed, our epidemic and hospital situation does not require an automatic alignment with the measures taken by neighbouring countries.”
Mask-wearing is still compulsory, as well as adhering to other barrier gestures such as social distancing. There is also strong advice for those returning from summer holidays, particularly those who are school-aged, to be tested and vaccinated upon return from abroad to help keep numbers in check.
Photo by Monaco Life
Set the date: Princess Charlene's charity golf tournament
The second edition of the Princess of Monaco Cup golf tournament will take place in September at the prestigious Monte-Carlo Golf Club and end in the iconic Casino Square.
The Monte-Carlo Golf Club, with its stunning location nestled between the sea and the mountains, is the place to be on 16th September for the 2nd Princess of Monaco Cup golf tournament.
On Wednesday 15th September, there will be a cocktail party at the Yacht Club of Monaco where the teams will be selected. The following day is the main event at the golf club, where a welcome coffee will be served before the tournament begins. Afterward, participants will be treated to a lunch at the Club House. This is followed up with a special “19th hole”, which takes place on Casino Square.
The event’s format is known as The Scramble. This informal and friendly form of the game is played by team. At the start of each hole, every player takes a shot. The team then chooses the ball that is best positioned and continues from this spot. The other balls are collected and placed at the designated location to be played. This goes for every hole until all 18 are played.
The charity event will benefit Fight AIDS Monaco’s Maison de Vie, Etafeni Day Care Centre Trust and the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation’s Aqwa Itineris and Project Bhasa.
The beneficiaries of the event are all causes close to the Princess’s heart.
Maison de Vie was opened in 2004 to help people live better with HIV and has 1,300 residents, including children, who can take advantage of the facility’s programmes aimed at restoring health.
The Etafeni Day Care Centre Trust, located in Nyanga Slum, Cape Town South Africa, was created to assist AIDS-affected children aged 3 to 14, most of whom are orphans.
Aqwa Itineris is a portable facility for remote areas without access to public swimming pools and lessons, offering children as young as three a chance to get in the water and learn to swim.
Finally, Project Bhasa, based in Bangladesh, helps 5,000 children aged six to 10 learn to swim, reducing fatal drownings in rural areas. The programme also trains swim instructors, so that long-term lessons can be given to ensure kids will continue to learn water safety.
Photo of Prince Albert with last year’s winners of the Princess of Monaco Cup, source the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation
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