What’s New In Monaco’s Art Scene
A community artist who listens to sad boy rap and creates art for the public has joined the bubbling Monaco art scene. Might his large-scale murals bring some new light to the country already larger than life?
Perhaps no other country's reputation for luxury and everyday pleasures climb quite as high as Monaco's. It is a country filled with the finest things and this includes art. Art that is located both in high-standing galleries locked behind a mountain of security rivalling Fort Knox as well as in the streets accessible to all. At least this will soon be the case according to internationally celebrated artist Bip Apollo who has recently entered Monaco's art scene.
Community artist Bip Apollo is a household name in America where he has made quite a name for himself by creating monumental public art. In addition, he has worked internationally quite extensively and is now conquering a new frontline as he is setting up a studio in Monaco, where he has several big projects coming.
"I am very excited!" Bip commented when asked about his upcoming residence in Monaco. Bip is a sworn California boy at heart and doesn't believe he will ever really leave San Francisco. However, he did admit that Monaco has managed to sneak its extravagantly manicured and diamond-clothed hands around his heart as he has fallen in love with the country. "I am very grateful to Monaco. People here are so accepting and supportive!" He stated gleefully when talking about his experience with Monaco.
Visibly excited to add to the art scene in Monaco, Bip has already created some pieces here, including a street art mural near Gorbio and his personal favourite, a 1965 Mustang that he painted for a private collection in Monaco. He also has a live painting coming up at the Monaco Yacht Show this September. This is to say that it has not taken long for Bip to make his mark. The way he sees it, a country as beautiful as Monaco deserves beauty in the form of art, and that is what he is here to deliver.
While Bip does create some works for private buyers, his passion lies with public art. "One of the best parts of public art is that you get to interact with the public in every piece you do. You are not trapped in a small room; instead, you are constantly learning, and people come and talk with you. It's all very exciting!" Bip commented. He added that he takes extra caution when it comes to the imagery he is creating. He talks in detail about the importance of recognizing different cultures. He is very cautious about doing things correctly since he hopes to build a lasting relationship with Monaco and its inhabitants. Emphasizing that he wants to gain the trust of the public. "I look like a bit of a wild guy, and sometimes people misjudge me for that. So I want to have the trust that by the time I do things that are more boundary-breaking, I know the right way to do it in Monaco." This is a very fitting statement coming from Bip since he has made it clear that his hope is to be a type of servant to the people, and his art is there to share happiness above all else. "When I make a piece, I'm not looking for something back from the public. I am looking to serve. I see myself as a servant of the public, and I am cautious about what I put into people's faces culturally." Bip explained.
“I am okay if someone looks at me the wrong way. It is not my job to convince them otherwise, maybe it's my job to be patient and just do my best to bring happiness.”
Positivity is a core motto for Bip when it comes to his attitude towards creating and living in general. "I am a very American person in both the good and bad ways. We Americans are dreamers, and we think anything can happen. This was my spirit when I was a young boy and even now." He commented briefly with a big smile widening his face. His art follows the same optimism that he acts on every day. Bringing true the motto, "Leave worries to yesterday; today is a new day!" Which in many ways is the California slang for "Don't worry, be happy!".
Though intoxicating, his positivity comes from a delicate place, as Bip admitted that growing up without a family has significantly influenced his art. He explains that creating art is his way of serving humanity and helps him feel connected. In every country he visits, he leaves a love letter in the form of an art piece for the public to enjoy. This way, he feels like a part of the community as he creates a new family wherever he goes. Now his home is Monaco, and we are over the moon to have a big brother like him to paint over our worries with pictures of possibilities and some really rad Mustangs.
