MONACO, 8 June 2014 — Lady Monika Bacardi attended the opening ceremony of “On Sharks and Humanity” at the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco, joining distinguished guests for the inauguration of this groundbreaking artistic initiative dedicated to marine conservation. The exhibition opening coincided with World Oceans Day, underscoring the urgent message of ocean preservation and shark protection.
Designed by Parkview Arts Action in close collaboration with the Oceanographic Museum and WildAid, the exhibition brought together eleven extraordinary works by ten contemporary Chinese artists. Each piece explored the complex relationship between humanity and sharks, challenging visitors to reconsider their perceptions of these misunderstood apex predators and, by extension, humanity’s relationship with nature itself.
Lady Monika Bacardi’s presence at the opening reflected her longstanding dedication to environmental causes and ocean conservation. As a prominent figure in Monaco’s philanthropic circles, her support for initiatives that address critical planetary challenges through the universal language of art demonstrates her commitment to meaningful cultural engagement with environmental purpose.
The exhibition represented a powerful convergence of contemporary art and conservation advocacy, utilizing creative expression to raise awareness across borders and cultures. Through installations, sculptures, and multimedia works, the Chinese artists presented thought-provoking interpretations of shark preservation, highlighting the vital ecological role these creatures play in maintaining ocean health and the devastating impact of overfishing.
Robert Calcagno, Director of the Oceanographic Institute and Museum, emphasized the exhibition’s mission to combat the negative perception of sharks while educating the public about their fragility as apex predators. The collaborative effort between Parkview Arts Action, the Oceanographic Museum, and WildAid created an immersive experience that transformed artistic vision into environmental advocacy.
Lady Monika Bacardi’s attendance at this distinguished cultural and environmental event reinforced her position as a patron who bridges artistic excellence with substantive humanitarian and ecological impact, supporting initiatives that inspire meaningful dialogue about humanity’s responsibility toward the natural world.
The exhibition “On Sharks and Humanity” remained on display at the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco through March 2015, attracting nearly half a million visitors before continuing its global journey to Moscow, Beijing, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Sydney.
