Demain l’Océan – An Artistic Journey Through the Beauty and Fragility of the Sea

The exhibition Demain l’Océan, hosted at the Salle d’Exposition du Quai Antoine Ier in Monaco and open until October 6, 2025, is more than just an art show: it is an invitation to dive into the marine universe through the eyes of 34 international artists blending art, science, and environmental ethics. Organized by Monaco’s Department of Cultural Affairs and curated by Élodie Antoine, with scenography by Thomas Guillaume, the event is part of the broader cultural and diplomatic agenda dedicated to ocean preservation, alongside major gatherings such as the Blue Economy and Finance Forum and the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice.

Inaugurated on July 8 by H.S.H. Prince Albert II in the presence of government representatives, Demain l’Océan ? unfolds in six thematic sections, offering an immersive and thought-provoking journey where aesthetics meet environmental urgency.

The path begins with The Horizon, a mental and symbolic space where the sea becomes a threshold between reality and imagination, as seen in the evocative works of Lucas Arruda, Jochen Lempert, and Jean-Christophe Norman. The next section, Fauna and Flora, pays tribute to marine biodiversity with images and installations portraying jellyfish, whales, and corals—fascinating yet fragile beings.

Living the Shoreline focuses on the relationship between humans and coastal landscapes, now strained by mass tourism and environmental exploitation. Setting Sail addresses the drama of contemporary migrations, powerfully and sensitively telling the stories of those crossing the sea in search of refuge. Works by Boo Vuong, Zineb Sedira, and Mathieu Pernot turn boats and life vests into universal symbols of hope and vulnerability.

In The Sea in Danger, the exhibition tackles pressing environmental issues: overfishing, pollution, climate change, and exploitation all threaten the ocean’s health. Here, art becomes a call for awareness and collective responsibility. Finally, Before the Flood, the last section, envisions future scenarios—submerged coastlines, storms, but also resilience and regeneration. Water, as a primal element, becomes a metaphor for the human condition: fragile, ever-changing, and capable of transformation.

Demain l’Océan is a moving journey that awakens imagination and conscience. It invites us to view the ocean not only as a natural wonder but as a living, shared heritage—reflecting our time and deserving of care.

📍 Open until October 6, 2025 – Tuesday to Sunday, from 1 PM to 7 PM. Free admission.
📸 Photo: © Direction de la Communication – Manuel Vitali & Koly Setten