Matéo Mornar (born 20 December 1946) is a French sculptor of
contemporary art
Contemporary art is a term used to describe the art of today, generally referring to art produced from the 1970s onwards. Contemporary artists work in a globally influenced, culturally diverse, and technologically advancing world. Their art is a ...
. He lives and works in the
Principality of Monaco
Monaco, officially the Principality of Monaco, is a sovereign city-state and microstate on the French Riviera a few kilometres west of the Italian region of Liguria, in Western Europe, on the Mediterranean Sea. It is a semi-enclave borde ...
.
Biography
Born in
Croatia
Croatia, officially the Republic of Croatia, is a country in Central Europe, Central and Southeast Europe, on the coast of the Adriatic Sea. It borders Slovenia to the northwest, Hungary to the northeast, Serbia to the east, Bosnia and Herze ...
in 1946, Matéo Mornar emigrated to France with his family at the age of ten. They settled in Paris. The young boy liked to spend time in the
Louvre
The Louvre ( ), or the Louvre Museum ( ), is a national art museum in Paris, France, and one of the most famous museums in the world. It is located on the Rive Droite, Right Bank of the Seine in the city's 1st arrondissement of Paris, 1st arron ...
, especially in the sections dedicated to sculpture. At 18 he entered the École supérieure des arts modernes (ESAM Paris) school of modern art, where he studied design,
graphic design
Graphic design is a profession, academic discipline and applied art that involves creating visual communications intended to transmit specific messages to social groups, with specific objectives. Graphic design is an interdisciplinary branch of ...
,
interior decoration
Interior design is the art and science of enhancing the interior of a building to achieve a healthier and more aesthetically pleasing environment for the people using the space. With a keen eye for detail and a creative flair, an interior d ...
and sculpture techniques. He graduated amongst the top of his class and joined a branch of the
Publicis
Publicis Groupe S.A. is a French multinational advertising and public relations company. As of 2024, the company is the largest advertising company in the world by revenue. Based in Paris, it is one of the 'Big Four' advertising commpanies, al ...
group. He worked for 3 years dedicated to developing
scale model
A scale model is a physical model that is geometrically similar to an object (known as the ''prototype''). Scale models are generally smaller than large prototypes such as vehicles, buildings, or people; but may be larger than small protot ...
which are displayed at
trade fair
A trade show, also known as trade fair, trade exhibition, or trade exposition, is an exhibition organized so that companies in a specific Industry (economics), industry can showcase and demonstrate their latest Product (business), products and se ...
and the moved on to work as a freelancer. For many years, he worked in the area of publishing, graphic creation and
interior decoration
Interior design is the art and science of enhancing the interior of a building to achieve a healthier and more aesthetically pleasing environment for the people using the space. With a keen eye for detail and a creative flair, an interior d ...
. An assignment took him to the
French Riviera
The French Riviera, known in French as the (; , ; ), is the Mediterranean coastline of the southeast corner of France. There is no official boundary, but it is considered to be the coastal area of the Alpes-Maritimes department, extending fr ...
in 1977 where he decided to settle.
At the end of the eighties, he envisioned and conceptualized his first sculptures after a meeting with the artist at
Villefranche-sur-Mer
Villefranche-sur-Mer (, ; ; ) is a resort town in the Alpes-Maritimes department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region on the French Riviera and is located southwest of the Principality of Monaco, which is just west of the French-Italian ...
.
In 1995, Mornar decided to devote himself entirely to sculpture and began to exhibit in the French Riviera (
Cannes
Cannes (, ; , ; ) is a city located on the French Riviera. It is a communes of France, commune located in the Alpes-Maritimes departments of France, department, and host city of the annual Cannes Film Festival, Midem, and Cannes Lions Internatio ...
,
Nice
Nice ( ; ) is a city in and the prefecture of the Alpes-Maritimes department in France. The Nice agglomeration extends far beyond the administrative city limits, with a population of nearly one millionGrimaldi at the end of the 1980s in Monaco.
Prince Rainier III
Rainier III (Rainier Louis Henri Maxence Bertrand Grimaldi; 31 May 1923 – 6 April 2005) was Prince of Monaco from 1949 to Funeral of Rainier III, Prince of Monaco, his death in 2005. Rainier ruled the Principality of Monaco for almost 56 year ...
much appreciate the artist and regularly visited his exhibitions. He affectionately called him "mon petit Croate !". The Prince Rainier lll; art lover and discerning collector purchased several of his works for his
private collection
A private collection is a privately owned collection of works (usually artworks) or valuable items. In a museum or art gallery context, the term signifies that a certain work is not owned by that institution, but is on loan from an individual ...
.
In 2005, his son Prince Albert II succeeded him as the head of the
Principality of Monaco
Monaco, officially the Principality of Monaco, is a sovereign city-state and microstate on the French Riviera a few kilometres west of the Italian region of Liguria, in Western Europe, on the Mediterranean Sea. It is a semi-enclave borde ...
environmental protection
Environmental protection, or environment protection, refers to the taking of measures to protecting the natural environment, prevent pollution and maintain ecological balance. Action may be taken by individuals, advocacy groups and governments. ...
and
sustainable development
Sustainable development is an approach to growth and Human development (economics), human development that aims to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.United Nations General ...
.
Since 2009, Mornar has collaborated with the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation to whom he donates a part of the benefices of his sales.Matéo Mornar and the Principality of Monaco. /ref> The two men maintain a close relationship driven by a common aim to preserve the environment and particularly the
endangered species
An endangered species is a species that is very likely to become extinct in the near future, either worldwide or in a particular political jurisdiction. Endangered species may be at risk due to factors such as habitat loss, poaching, inv ...
.
Many sculptures of the artist ornate the gardens of the Principality.Matéo Mornar and the gardens of the Principality. /ref> On a more personal basis, Matéo Mornar for the occasion of the princely wedding in 2011, created a silver sculpture representing the Prince Albert II and Charlene of Monaco, as well as bronze replicas to decorate the wedding's cakes.Press release of the princely wedding Mornar's sculptures p.19
Exhibitions
2014
* ''Out of Time'' - Host Art Residence,
Bruges
Bruges ( , ; ; ) is the capital and largest city of the province of West Flanders, in the Flemish Region of Belgium. It is in the northwest of the country, and is the sixth most populous city in the country.
The area of the whole city amoun ...
– from 24 January till 16 April 2014.Host Art Gallery presentation of Matéo Mornar.
2013
* ''Sculpture; Life; Passion'', 5th
Moscow Biennale
The Moscow Biennale of Contemporary Art is one of the most important Russian cultural events and was founded in 2003.
First Moscow Biennale of Contemporary Art
The First Moscow Biennale of Contemporary Art (January 28 – February 28, 2005) ca ...
of Contemporary Art,
Zurab Tsereteli
Zurab Konstantinovich Tsereteli ( ka, ზურაბ კონსტანტინეს ძე წერეთელი, tr'';'' 4 January 1934 – 22 April 2025) was a Georgian painter, sculptor and architect known for large-scale and at ti ...
Gallery, Moscow - October 2013.Article "Exhibits" ''The Moscow Times''. /ref>
; 2012
* ''Journée de l'Art-bre'' unveiling and exhibition of the ''Bear'' - Parc des Oliviers,
Roquebrune-Cap-Martin
Roquebrune-Cap-Martin (; or ; ; ), simply Roquebrune until 1921, is a Communes of France, commune in the Alpes-Maritimes Departments of France, department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Regions of France, region, Southeastern France, betw ...
Beausoleil Beausoleil, beau soleil or variants may refer to:
* Beausoleil, Alpes-Maritimes, a town in southern France, adjoining the Principality of Monaco
* Beausoleil, New Brunswick, a community in Canada
* Beausoleil, a rural hamlet in the municipality of ...
Lugano
Lugano ( , , ; ) is a city and municipality within the Lugano District in the canton of Ticino, Switzerland. It is the largest city in both Ticino and the Italian-speaking region of southern Switzerland. Lugano has a population () of , and an u ...
, Switzerland - March 2011.
; 2010
* Monegasque Exhibition Hall - World Expo 2010,
Shanghai
Shanghai, Shanghainese: , Standard Chinese pronunciation: is a direct-administered municipality and the most populous urban area in China. The city is located on the Chinese shoreline on the southern estuary of the Yangtze River, with the ...
- from 1 May till 31 October 2010.
; 2007
*Exhibition Matéo Mornar - Fairmont Monte-Carlo and Café de Paris Monte-Carlo,
Monaco
Monaco, officially the Principality of Monaco, is a Sovereign state, sovereign city-state and European microstates, microstate on the French Riviera a few kilometres west of the Regions of Italy, Italian region of Liguria, in Western Europe, ...
Geneva
Geneva ( , ; ) ; ; . is the List of cities in Switzerland, second-most populous city in Switzerland and the most populous in French-speaking Romandy. Situated in the southwest of the country, where the Rhône exits Lake Geneva, it is the ca ...
.
; 2004
* International Contemporary Art Fair - Europ'Art (renamed Art Genève) - Palexpo, Geneva.
*International Artexpo - New York City
Events and associate artworks
; 2015
A tribute to the Catholic baptism of
Prince Albert II of Monaco
Albert II (Albert Alexandre Louis Pierre Grimaldi; born 14 March 1958) is Prince of Monaco, reigning since 2005.
Born at the Prince's Palace of Monaco, Albert is the second child and only son of Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace. He attend ...
and Princess Charlene's twins; Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella of Monaco, Mornar created a bronze sculpture representing the letters "J" and "G" and a dove carrying an
olive branch
The olive branch, a ramus of '' Olea europaea'', is a symbol of peace. It is generally associated with the customs of ancient Greece and ancient Rome, and is connected with supplication to divine beings and persons in power. Likewise, it is f ...
, symbol of peace. The sculpture was presented on the steps of the Saint Nicholas Cathedral of Monaco at the end of the religious ceremony.
Mornar created three large wall sculptures "the Poet, the Lyra and the Flute" in reference to poetry, singing and music of
ancient Greece
Ancient Greece () was a northeastern Mediterranean civilization, existing from the Greek Dark Ages of the 12th–9th centuries BC to the end of classical antiquity (), that comprised a loose collection of culturally and linguistically r ...
. They are on permanent display in the lobby of the
Odeon Tower
The Odeon Tower (; Monégasque: ''Turre Odeu̍n'') is a double-skyscraper in the Principality of Monaco. It was the first high-rise in the city-state to be built since the 1980s (high constructions had been abandoned due to aesthetic concerns an ...
, double skyscraper located in
Monaco
Monaco, officially the Principality of Monaco, is a Sovereign state, sovereign city-state and European microstates, microstate on the French Riviera a few kilometres west of the Regions of Italy, Italian region of Liguria, in Western Europe, ...
.
; 2014
For the 66th edition of the Gala of the Monegasque Red Cross, Mornar created "Gaia", a painted wood and plastic sculpture.
Gaia
In Greek mythology, Gaia (; , a poetic form of ('), meaning 'land' or 'earth'),, , . also spelled Gaea (), is the personification of Earth. Gaia is the ancestral mother—sometimes parthenogenic—of all life. She is the mother of Uranus (S ...
is the goddess of the hearth, nature and harvests in
Greek mythology
Greek mythology is the body of myths originally told by the Ancient Greece, ancient Greeks, and a genre of ancient Greek folklore, today absorbed alongside Roman mythology into the broader designation of classical mythology. These stories conc ...
. Her open arms symbolize hospitality and generosity.
; 2013
Mornar created the trophy of the '"Award Monte-Carlo Woman of the year" which aim to distinguish women from around the world for their personal of professional action. He produced two sculptures in bronze with a green and blue patina.''The Riviera Woman'' "Award Monte-Carlo Woman of the Year" p.7
An
auction
An auction is usually a process of Trade, buying and selling Good (economics), goods or Service (economics), services by offering them up for Bidding, bids, taking bids, and then selling the item to the highest bidder or buying the item from th ...
sales was organised during the ''Monaco Classic Week''; a prestigious nautical gathering of classic ship. The ''Poisson Fontaine'' (''Fish Fountain'') in bronze of Matéo Mornar won the top prize estimated at 250.000 to 300.000 euros.Article ''Le Figaro'' "Vente du large à Monaco". /ref>
; 2012
Alberti ARTS organized a tribute to the
Minitel
The Minitel, officially known as TELETEL, was an interactive videotex online service accessible through telephone lines. It was the world's first and most successful mass-market online service prior to the World Wide Web. It was developed in Ces ...
on Saturday 30th of juin 2012; day which the Minitel's network stopped transmission. For this ''Minitel Revival'', thirty artists including Matéo Mornar, Patrick Moya, Zivo as well as
Sacha Sosno
Alexandre Joseph Sosnowsky (18 March 1937 – 3 December 2013), better known by the name Sacha Sosno, was an internationally renowned French sculptor and painter. Working most of the time in Nice, in his last decades Sosno achieved international ...
immortalised this mythical object into an artwork. Those artworks were put up for auction and the benefices of this event were donated to ''Fight Aids'' Monaco, association for the fight against Aids, chaired by
Princess Stéphanie of Monaco
Princess Stéphanie of Monaco (Stéphanie Marie Elisabeth Grimaldi; born 1 February 1965) is the youngest child of Rainier III, Prince of Monaco, and his wife, American actress Grace Kelly. She is the younger sister of Albert II, Prince of Monaco ...
.WebTimeMedias Article "Minitel Revival". /ref>
; 2011
A tribute to the marriage of Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene, Mornar created an unprecedented sculpture, a copy made in silver was offered to them. Twenty other pieces were published in bronze and placed on the wedding's cakes.
In collaboration with the jeweler Ciribelli Monte-Carlo, Mornar decided to turn some of his sculptures into jewellery. One of which was the prize of the prestigious ''Grand Golden Jackpot Contest'' of
Monte Carlo Casino
The Monte Carlo Casino, officially named Casino de Monte-Carlo, is a gambling and entertainment complex located in Monaco. It includes a casino, the Opéra de Monte-Carlo, and the office of Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo.
The Casino de Monte-Carlo ...
.
; 2009
Mornar was the artist of the ''Palmes de la Com' 2009''. He created a trophy in bronze who reward the best advertising campaign of the year.
; 2006
Madame Augier, Director of the
Hotel Negresco
The Hotel Negresco is a luxury hotel and site of the restaurant ''Le Chantecler'', located on the Promenade des Anglais on the Baie des Anges in Nice, France. It was named after Henri Negresco (1868–1920), who had the palatial hotel construct ...
in Nice, bought him one of his larger pieces for display in the sumptuous royal hotel lounge alongside other pieces of contemporaries artists such as
Niki de Saint Phalle
Niki de Saint Phalle (; born Catherine Marie-Agnès Fal de Saint Phalle; 29 October 193021 May 2002) was a French sculptor, painter, filmmaker, and author of colorful hand-illustrated books. Widely noted as one of the few female monumental sculp ...
Mornar is an artist passionate about his work, he is into perpetual creation, transformation and looking for novelty. The women's body which he cherishes and respects infinitely, blooms in his originals creations with their graceful plumpness curves, full of tenderness and love. They are an absolute tribute to ''the Woman'' who is an inexhaustible source of inspiration for him.
The sculptor also illustrates himself through a unique bestiary make of predators, one hippopotamus 4 meters long and weighing more than 1 tonne (the biggest one ever made in bronze), one turtle, one rhinoceros... Endangered animals on a murky planet which Matéo Mornar genuine desire to protect and preserve (see also association with the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation). After an artistic period dedicated to voluptuous curves, Matéo Mornar's style has evolved to cubic shapes, rough edges, harshness, incisive lines. An art nearly aggressive whose the ''Tiger'', the ''Bear'' and the ''Taurus'' are the first icons.
Mornar is also, thanks to his formation, a creator in the space. For a couple of years he launched into projects of monumental realisations where art is a force for peace in the world. He imagines and designs the buildings of the future.
Charity
* ''Art for Philippines'', auction sales for the benefit of
Philippines
The Philippines, officially the Republic of the Philippines, is an Archipelagic state, archipelagic country in Southeast Asia. Located in the western Pacific Ocean, it consists of List of islands of the Philippines, 7,641 islands, with a tot ...
to help rebuilding the country after ''
Typhoon Haiyan
Typhoon Haiyan, known in the Philippines as Super Typhoon Yolanda, was an extremely powerful and catastrophic tropical cyclone that is among List of the most intense tropical cyclones, the most powerful tropical cyclones ever recorded. Upon ...
'', with the support of the ''AMADE Mondiale'', 3 February 2014.Catalogue of the sale "Art for Philippines" p. 76–77.
* ''The house of Life'', during the world day of fight against Aids; private sales intended to raise money to build quality places to live for the patients. Organized by the non-profit association ''Fight Aids'' Monaco chaired by Princesses Caroline of Hanover. 1 December 2012."House of Life" Article Cityout Monaco.
* Foundation Prince Albert ll of Monaco; dedicated to the environment protection and sustainable development. Collaboration since 2009.