A unique individual, Michel Aubéry would be an inspiration for a novelist or a filmmaker… Born in Monaco, he quickly became involved both in football and…painting.
Michel Aubéry held his very first exhibition at the age of just 15 in one of the Principality’s galleries, enjoying the prestigious patronage of none other than Princess Grace! The Hollywood star’s arrival to Monaco and her marriage to Prince Rainier III remain some of the artist’s most moving memories. “A young member of the Monaco Cathedral choir, I was singing at this fabulous wedding on April 19, 1956. At the age of just 9!”
That day the Principality was vibrating with a joyful, festive atmosphere in every corner, while the world was glued to their television screens… This exceptional event unsurprisingly left a lasting impression on the young Michel Aubéry. His whimsical animal gouaches subsequently seduced Princess Grace herself. Taught by Claude Viallat, one of the leading figures of the historic “Supports/Surfaces” group, the young artist pursued his calling at the School of Fine Arts in Nice. He eventually came to teach art himself at the American school in Monaco.
A great pictorial adventure followed, with a profoundly original bestiary: marine creatures, polar bears, penguins, turtles, deer… In a completely different vein, the Monegasque painter was also inspired by vintage cars, culminating in the Hôtel de Paris exhibition for the Historic Grand Prix in 2024.
The Oceanographic Museum also hosted four of his major exhibitions, with large paintings of marine animals, turtles, corals and polar animals alternately guiding us through Michel Aubéry’s art.
Exhibited worldwide, including in China, he represented Monaco twice at the Universal Exposition, in Milan and Dubai. His contribution earned him numerous distinctions. Founder of the beach soccer tournament in the Principality, in 2002 he was awarded the Bronze Medal for Physical Education and Sports by Prince Rainier III. Named Knight of the Order of Cultural Merit by Prince Albert II in 2018, he became Knight of the Order of Grimaldi in 2023, one of the highest honours ever.
Discovering the world of soccer very early on
A professional painter, his second passion is sport. “Much earlier on in my career, a journalist once said that I am a formal rebuff to all those opposing culture and sport. As my life revolves around both painting and football, the two are inseparable.”
Playing football from his very early days, Michel Aubéry joined AS Monaco at the tender age of 6 and played for them until he was 20. Later coaching the Amateur Honour team, he then became General Secretary, then President of AS Monaco Amateur Football. Subsequently appointed Vice-President of AS Monaco Professional Football, he is currently presiding over the AS Monaco Youth Academy. Accompanying the club through all its crucial moments, his career has taken Michel all around the world. His highly artistic jerseys created for his players also demonstrate a talent for textile design. Unsurprisingly, he often says, “I have two loves: art and sport.”
Michel Aubéry sketches a caricature of the Shah of Iran
Rubbing shoulders with all sorts of celebrities, one of the highlights of his eventful life was meeting the Iranian Empress, Farah Diba, at a Hôtel de Paris society dinner. With all playfulness and imagination, Michel Aubéry then sketched a caricature of the Shah of Iran. And the empress loved it!
With his large studio in the port of Monaco, the Monegasque painter used to have the late Colombian sculptor Fernando Botero as a neighbour. A great friendship developed between the two artists, both regulars at the aptly named “Quai des Artistes”. “His passing leaves a great void, deeply affecting me. This endearing man was a part of my life.”
Despite recent health problems, Michel Aubéry is as glued to his work table as ever. The artist is now finishing the head of a large stag, immortalizing the animal in stylized lines and whimsical colours. Still inventive, cheerful and unique — these continue to be the very qualities that unsurprisingly seduced Princess Grace back early on in his career…
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