Art Golden Din Monaco

On my last trip to the South of France I met up with good friend and a Belarus art connoisseur Inna Maier. Over steaming cups of coffee and freshly baked croissants in the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel, I grilled her on the ins and outs of being a Jill of all trades in the ever-dazzling Monaco.

Like me, she is a mother, a business woman and she has her own unique style. Last year she launched a new project, Art Golden Din, in Monaco. The contemporary art gallery exhibits artists from all over the world, as well as her native Belarus, giving them exposure to buyers and other networks they might not otherwise have access to.

dress: Isabel Marant, slippers: Hermes, sunglasses: Gucci, jewellery: VanCleef&Arpels

Was opening a gallery something you’ve always wanted to do? What inspired you to go back to your roots and promote the Belarus artists?

I was always enthusiastic about art. I was living between Zurich and Monaco between 2000 and 2003. Naturally these cities are full of interesting places and events, so the opportunities were always there. I began to educate myself and get a flare for what I like, what would look good in this or that interior, what could be a nice investment piece, and so on.

Sotheby’s Institute of Art was perfect for this. I travelled to Russia, France, Italy, Turkey, and got acquainted with many types of art and architecture. I saw a lot of talent, but my heart was always with Belarus. I saw that Belarus artists are just as talented and I wanted to share that with the world. With the support of my closest friends and family, my dream came true and I began acquiring my first collection for ART GOLDEN DIN gallery in Monaco in 2015.

So, which Belarus artists are your favourite?

I love contemporary art – flamboyant, colourful, mosaics, puzzles. I am a big fan of Sergei Grinevich, Alexander Nekrashevich and Yuna Bert. For me it doesn’t matter whether it is a painting or a sculpture or a certain photograph, I always want to find something that is very special to me and my clients. I once went to a
meeting to see one of my regular artists and by accident discovered works of another in the same work studio.

So, you have an eye for beautiful things. I know that you’re also a great organiser! For the last few years you have been actively involved in helping organise and promote the Monaco Bal De Noel?

Yes, it’s a charity gala. Created by Sandrine Garbagnati-Knoell 10 years ago, the event aims to support so many associations like the CHPG Maternity Department, the CHPG Paediatric department, Mission Enfance, Les Enfants de Frankie… the cause is very dear to me since I am also a wife and a mother. In the future, I would love to give back to my own country too.

dress: Alexander Mcqueen, painting: Janna Kapustnikova

 

Is it a glamorous affair?

Oh yes! Set just before Christmas, it’s magnificent! The opulent decor and the latest couture outfits are unbelievable. Every year is a challenge for me to find something new to beat last year. A lot of leading figures come from all over the world, there is a raffle and an auction sale. It also becomes a fantastic opportunity
to represent my own artists.

What’s the dress code for the night?

Well, the women wear anything that looks amazing and complements their style and figure. Ralph&Russo, Dolce & Gabbana, Valentino, Alexander McQueen, Elie Saab, Zuhair Murad and many more .

Who are your all-time favourite designers?

I like funky contemporary designers and also traditional well established brands, like Chanel. I always pick an outfit depending on the mood of the city I’m in and the kind of lifestyle I encounter there.

So do you think every city can be associated with a certain style or designer?

Definitely! When in Zurich, I would wear Helmut Lang’s edgy pants and tops – comfortable yet stylish, [in] darker colours like grey and black. When in Russia or Belarus, I can be more flamboyant. I love Gucci! It was amazing to wear Gucci’s Michele flower print red tracksuit pants with a white t-shirt.

In summer, I like to wear light and bright colours, in winter I opt for classical monochrome elegance. Compliment it all with a pretty accessory and your outfit is complete!

Do you have a favourite accessory brand?

I am very predictable here – it’s Chanel.

And now a few questions from the Proust list. Who are your favorite real-life heroines?

Princess Grace Kelly, of course (she giggles). She played a very important role in revitalising Monaco as a center for culture and the arts. I feel like her spirit, her persona, is still very much associated with a lot of people and things here. Moreover, I believe she is one of the most beautiful and charismatic women of the 20th century. She’s a huge inspiration.

What do you love to eat and drink?

Italian. I love it for its simplicity and how easy it is to cook. Seafood pasta is my favourite. Concerning drinks, I would opt for a healthy choice during the day – freshly squeezed carrot juice, a glass of champagne in the evening.

And finally, what’s your motto?

Tomorrow will be better than today. The most interesting things are yet to come!

 

If you are interested to see some of the Belarus art live, come to the Contemporary Art Fair Zurich on 29Sep-1Oct 2016.

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Dasha in the shower by Sergey Grinevich

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Behind curtain by Sergey Grinevich

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