To celebrate the launch of its new academic year, the Académie de la Mer de Monaco has partnered with the Méridien Beach Plaza to unveil ‘Les petits poissons de l’Académie de la Mer de Monaco’. Running from 15th June to 15th July 2026, this exhibition marks the first time Bologna-born artist Marco Quarantini presents his unique underwater universe in the Principality.
Marco Quarantini has developed a singular artistic language that bridges technical innovation with poetic sensitivity. His work is defined by the integration of handcrafted glass into acrylic paintings on canvas—a pioneering method he developed to recreate the perpetual motion and light variations of the sea.
Inspired by the pulegoso glass (a traditional Murano technique involving intentional air bubbles) often found in old cathedrals, this delicate overlay creates an immersive sense of depth. “The glass is a crucial part of my work,” Quarantini explained to Monaco Life. “It creates an effect of depth and immersion in the marine environment, much like looking into the water itself.”
For the artist, light is not merely an accessory to his work; it is an essential, dynamic component. By designing and positioning the lighting installations himself, he can simulate different atmospheres, from the crispness of a morning sea to the golden nuances of the evening. “The light changes throughout the day, and so the paintings undergo a transformation,” he notes. “It’s a dynamic interaction. Depending on the lighting angle, the colours and the overall effect of the fish appear completely different.”
‘The message of the blue crab’
The exhibition reflects a deep harmony between the artist and the Académie de la Mer de Monaco, grounded in shared ideals of beauty and respect for the marine environment. This is encapsulated by the painting ‘The message of the blue crab’, a piece featuring an invasive species that has profoundly altered the Mediterranean ecosystem.
“The fact that the crab is clutching a mobile phone is a wake-up call,” says Quarantini. “It is a cry for alarm to remind everyone how vital ecology is for the future of all humanity.”
Laurent Anselmi, President of the Académie de la Mer de Monaco, echoes this sentiment, noting that the exhibition provides a vital platform to address urgent concerns such as plastic pollution and rising sea temperatures. “Marco is highly appreciated here in the Principality,” Anselmi says. Regarding the blue crab specifically, he adds: “It is an invasive species, and we must fight against its invasion. Fortunately, it is excellent to eat, so we may be able to solve the problem that way.” For Anselmi, the collaboration with Quarantini represents a total convergence of values.
Where art meets environmental awareness
Quarantini’s work focuses on fish and dreamlike aquatic landscapes, balancing his distinct aesthetic with a clear message about the state of our oceans. His vision pulls the viewer away from the noise of life on land, inviting them to see the marine world through the eyes of its inhabitants.
At the heart of this journey is a sharp environmental awareness. By capturing the beauty and fragility of marine ecosystems, the exhibition encourages a fresh look at our natural heritage. This resonates with the core mission of the Académie de la Mer de Monaco, which is dedicated to promoting maritime culture and a more sustainable relationship between humanity and the ocean.
A meaningful collaboration
The exhibition finds a perfect home at the Méridien Beach Plaza, the only hotel in Monaco with a private beach bordering the Larvotto Marine Protected Area. This location underscores a shared commitment to marine conservation alongside partners like the Monaco Association for Nature Protection.
For Quarantini, the partnership is a natural alignment of values. Expressing gratitude to those who facilitated his integration into the Académie de la Mer de Monaco, he notes that he has shared the same objectives as these maritime institutions since the very beginning—viewing fish as the protagonists of his dreams and champions of marine protection.
The exhibition is open to the public as part of the Méridien’s broader cultural commitment to creating spaces for dialogue and discovery. Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in this sensory exploration of the deep, discovering the delicate balance of the world beneath the waves.
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Main photo by Monaco Life