The Pulse of Culture: New Discoveries and Perspectives

 

In each issue, The Intelligent Eye explores the hidden gems and cultural treasures of the Riviera and beyond—offering insider access to celebrated museums, private collections, visionaries, artist residencies and emerging cultural destinations. With a discerning perspective, we uncover the stories and legacies that shape this unique and inspiring corner of the world, inviting you to experience culture through a deeper, more intentional lens.

Everyone agrees that there is something very special about this part of the world – the glamour, the concentration of beautiful beaches and hidden coves, the infamous Mediterranean azure and the endless evenings spent sipping Rose’ matching the pink dusks of sunset. Those of us lucky enough to live here wonder why anyone would want to be anywhere else.

The French Riviera has a long history of attracting artists who come chasing the magical light and seek inspiration from this exceptional setting of Old-World splendour.  Thanks to their influence and legacy there is so much to explore even in the area immediately surrounding Monaco:  La Colombe d’Or, Fondazione Maeght and Fondation CAB in St Paul de Vence, not to mention the Matisse Chapel in nearby Vence; Villa Eileen Gray and Le Corbusier’s Cabanon in Rocquebrune; Musée Picasso in Antibes and Musée National Picasso La Guerre et La Paix in Vallauris: the Maison Bernard ‘bubble house’ in Théoule-sur-Mer;  the Musée Matisse and Musee Chagall in Nice and so so much more.  Beyond these iconic destinations, which all appear in every cultural guide to this part of the world, there are also some new openings adding yet another exciting layer to the burgeoning region for modern and contemporary art.

Dragon Hill has just been opened this summer as an artist and writer’s residency in the historic ‘Landscape House’ designed by visionary French architect Jacques Couëlle, who was a close friend of Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali. The stunning residence, built in 1964, is set in a private domain near Mougins that has counted Picasso, Jean Cocteau, Yves Klein, Yves Saint Laurent, Leo Castelli and many others among its residents. Guided and inspired by the trailblazing spirit of Jacques Couëlle, the curatorial direction of the programme focuses on artists from all backgrounds who have either already established, or who are developing their own distinctive artistic language.

Artists will live and work at the residency for a period of six weeks, and the work produced will be displayed in annual summer exhibitions set in the domain’s own Château Castellaras, which overlooks the Alpes-Maritimes and the bay of Antibes.  As part of the residency’s partnership with ArtReview, six arts writers will be invited to participate and live at the residence, creating an atmosphere ripe for collaborative dialogue between them and the visual artists. This is a unique opportunity for artists and writers to live and work alongside one another in a partnership that is solely original in its execution.  The inspirational project is backed by Joe Kennedy and Jonny Burt, the directors and co-founders of Unit – a global artistic platform for international artists. Stay tuned to @dragonhillresidence for their upcoming series of patron dinners and intimate events with the artists in residence over the course of the next year.

This summer also saw the opening of Femmes Artistes du Musée de Mougin, better known as FAMM. Its founder, British collector and philanthropist Christian Levett, has become a driving force in the community of modern and contemporary art in the region.  The FAMM collection currently contains over a hundred works by more than 80 artists from around the world reflecting Levett’s passion for art and history and the recognition of female artists.  By far one of the most picturesque villages on the Côte d’Azur, nestled between sea and mountains, Mougins has a deep history of artistry and this opening is another major step for it in becoming an epicentre in Europe for contemporary art.  Make sure not to miss the FAMM’s cultural happy hour with guided tours of the collection taking place daily from 6-8pm.  Just a few steps away from FAMM, the Centre de la Photographie and the Centre d’Art, both focusing on contemporary art, complete an exceptional cultural experience at the heart of the village. Keep an eye on @famm_mougins for upcoming events and news.

Karlina Nathan brings a lifetime of knowledge and rich relationships in the world of culture, providing unique access to visionaries, institutions and collectors across the globe. With over a decade of experience leading cultural and philanthropic initiatives across the U.K., Europe and Africa, Karlina is dedicated to fostering deeper connections with art and culture. Today, she advises collectors on building purpose-driven art collections and creating sustainable philanthropic projects. Through The Intelligent Eye, Karlina invites you to explore the places and people shaping the cultural world today, encouraging a thoughtful and intentional approach to art and culture.

Enjoy even more @ FAMM

Edit by @KarlinaPrivate @the.intelligent.eye

Editor @ Monaco Woman