A new exhibition set to open in Monaco’s Salle d’Exposition du Quai Antoine 1er later this month will explore the artistic evolution of Hubert Clerissi, tracing his journey from architectural precision to expressive freedom.
The Mairie de Monaco is supporting an exhibition dedicated to the work of Monegasque artist Hubert Clerissi (1923-2000) that will run from 20th February to 21st March at the Salle d’Exposition du Quai Antoine 1er. The retrospective, titled Hubert Clerissi – Espaces ciselés, is being organised in collaboration with the Department of Cultural Affairs and the Pavillon Bosio – École Supérieure d’Arts Plastiques.
The exhibition will showcase Clerissi’s unique style – one shaped by his background in architecture and his pursuit of artistic independence. His father, who was a practicing architect, had a strong influence on Clerissi’s early work, which was marked by structure and precision. Over time, he moved away from this rigid framework, using line not just as a technical tool but as a form of expression. His urban landscapes balance this tension, with architectural order meeting more spontaneous, expressive strokes. His watercolours take a different approach, capturing movement and fragility with fluid, shifting forms.
Clerissi’s work reflects influences from Utrillo, Dufy and Buffet, blending different techniques to play with texture and spontaneity. There’s an urgency in his approach, a need to experiment, while his use of line becomes a way to push boundaries and explore his own artistic identity.
The exhibition is being presented in partnership with the post-Master’s programme Décors at Pavillon Bosio. This initiative, designed for graduates holding a DNSEP (Diplôme National Supérieur d’Expression Plastique), supports emerging professionals in scenography through paid commissions from cultural institutions. Participants in the programme gain access to Pavillon Bosio’s facilities and can apply for structured internships.
Curated by Leah Friedman, an artist-scenographer and former student of Pavillon Bosio, the exhibition’s artistic direction is being overseen by Nadia Omiecinski, Clerissi’s daughter. The scenography is being designed by Maria Magdalena David and Illona Rougemond-Mosconi, both artists-scenographers from the Décors programme.
Workshops related to the exhibition will also be organised, providing an opportunity for visitors to engage further with Clerissi’s artistic process.
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Photo source: Hubert Clerissi