The Principality of Monaco is making its mark on the international art scene at TEFAF Maastricht, held from March 14 to 19, 2026, in the Netherlands. Widely regarded as one of the world’s most prestigious art and antiques fairs, the event brings together leading galleries, collectors and museum curators each year.
At the 2026 edition, Monaco is represented by the gallery Robilant & Voena, which is presenting a major work by the Monegasque artist Philippe Pastor from his “Bleu Monochrome” series.
“Monaco is my land, my anchor,” Pastor said. “The Principality has given me everything - its sky, its sea, that Mediterranean light that nourishes each of my canvases. If my work allows Monaco to shine beyond its borders, then I believe I am accomplishing something essential.”
Displayed at the gallery’s stand, the work belongs to a series inspired by the Mediterranean Sea and the environmental challenges surrounding it. Through subtle variations of blue, Pastor evokes both the beauty and fragility of the marine world while reflecting on humanity’s relationship with nature.
“Blue is both the color of life and of threat,” the artist said. “By reducing it to a monochrome, I wanted to concentrate all its depth and vibration - both a tribute to what we still have and a warning about what we risk losing.”
Environmental themes have long been central to Pastor’s practice. His work often addresses the planet, oceans and the consequences of forest fires, and his installations have been presented in cities around the world, including exhibitions at the headquarters of the United Nations.
For Edmondo di Robilant, co-founder of Robilant & Voena, presenting Pastor at TEFAF is also a way to highlight Monaco’s artistic presence internationally.
“The Principality is home to an artistic scene of genuine singularity, one that remains insufficiently recognized on the international stage,” he said. “Philippe Pastor’s work combines formal excellence with a message that encourages reflection on humanity’s relationship with nature.”
Founded in 1988, TEFAF Maastricht has become a cornerstone event in the global art market, bringing together galleries specializing in fields ranging from Old Masters to contemporary art. Pastor’s participation this year reflects both Monaco’s cultural visibility and the growing place of environmentally engaged art on the international stage.