The Fusion Art Gallery’s ‘Elevated: The Art of Prestige’ exhibition has transformed Espace 22 into a global showcase, bringing together 33 artists from across continents.
Running through to 6th July, the exhibition explores how modern creators are redefining prestige through bold innovation, with each artists offering its distinct perspective.
One of the exhibition’s highlights is Thomas Bambini’s approach to oil painting. The French artist spent 50 hours creating a Medusa that merges Caravaggio’s legendary shield painting with Bernini’s sculptural mastery—two Renaissance giants who never collaborated in life but find unity on his canvas.
The result carries unexpected emotional weight. While classical depictions of Medusa highlight a mix of fear and sadness, Bambini’s interpretation leans even more into vulnerability. “I think my Medusa is sadder because of the way I drew the eyes. It looks like he’s about to cry,” he told Monaco Life.
His second piece presents an even bolder cultural collision: a Renaissance princess bearing a traditional Japanese yakuza tattoo. “My aim was to blend the visual language of the Japanese Mafia with the image of a classical princess,” says Bambini. The work creates a deliberate visual trick—viewers first admire the elegant period dress before discovering the hidden tattoos underneath.
Formula 1’s fallen champion
Canadian artist ML Sund created what may be the exhibition’s most touching tribute. His paintings honour Jules Bianchi, whose death nearly a decade ago has left an undeniable mark in Formula 1’s history.
“This painting honours Jules Bianchi, depicting his race in Monaco back in 2014.” The work gains particular resonance in Monaco, since “the only points he ever scored were in this race in Monaco,” ML Sund told Monaco Life.
His separate painting of the 1964 Le Mans race also captures Bianchi’s grandfather, who competed that year.
Stones as spiritual metaphors
Aydin Aghababazadeh, the Persian-Iranian artist, also stands out for transforming geological formations into profound meditations on personal growth.
His featured work, ‘Soul depth’, uses colour as emotional cartography.
“The deep blue is the inner self and the white is the limit of our life,” Aghababazadeh explains. “And when you reach the connection between these two, you will see how bright your life would be.”
Drawing inspiration from “geodes, stones, and natural orificies,” his art philosophy centres on bridging internal and external worlds.
‘Elevated’ challenges traditional notions of artistic prestige by celebrating innovation over imitation. The exhibition demonstrates how artists are forging new territories while maintaining respect for their predecessors.
The six day programme continues with events designed to showcase different facets of modern artistic expression, each reinforcing the exhibition’s thesis that true prestige emerges from fearless creativity.
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Main photo of Irina Machneva Mota and Johan Grundin, organisers of ‘Elevated: The Art of Prestige’, by Monaco Life.
