Philippe Pastor

Philippe Pastor (b. 1961, Monaco) is an artist whose wide-ranging practice encompasses painting, sculpture and mixed-media techniques. A determined advocate for the preservation of nature, Pastor uses his art to promote awareness and inspire action in support of environmental causes. His signature paintings are abstract compositions formed of natural pigment and other raw materials; his acclaimed sculpture series Les Arbres Brûlés (The Burnt Trees) evokes the devastation of forest fires and deforestation. Through these bodies of work, the artist seeks to convey an important message about the relationship between man and nature, emphasising the responsibility of mankind to protect our planet for future generations.

The only artist to represent the Principality of Monaco on an international stage, both at the Venice Biennale (2007 and 2009), and as the official artist of the Monaco Pavilion at the 2015 Expo in Milan, Pastor uses his art as a platform to shine a light on pressing climate issues. He has collaborated with the United Nations as part of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), through his support and participation in the Project ‘Plant for the Planet: The Billion Tree Campaign’.

Also with the UN, Pastor has installed Les Arbres Brûlés at environmental conferences across the globe, including in Singapore, New York and Monaco. A symbol of the fight against man’s destruction of the natural world, examples of this series have been installed in significant international public places, including at the United Nations African headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya (2006–present); Nice Côte d’Azur International Airport (2006–2016); Château des Marres, St. Tropez (2011–22); Gare de Montparnasse and Gare du Nord, Paris (2014–15); Sacha SOSNO Garden, MAMAC Museum, Nice (2019–20); and Saint-Paul de Vence (2022).

Other recent solo exhibitions include Comment Va Le Monde, Baux-de-Provence, France (2023); Philippe Pastor, Fin du Monde, Monaco Modern’Art, Monaco (2021); Philippe Pastor, Est-ce que ce Monde est Sérieux ?, Musée de Bormes-les-Mimosas, France (2020); Philippe Pastor, La Vie en Rose, Monaco Modern’Art, Monaco (2020); Philippe Pastor, Est-ce que ce Monde est Sérieux ?, Monaco Modern’Art, Monaco (2019).

In addition to his exhibitions and installations, Pastor is the founder of Art & Environnement Association. Launched in 2007 under the patronage of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco and Professor Wangari Maathai, the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, the Association organises art exhibitions and events to promote broad public awareness on climate change and the threats facing the planet.

With his artistic practice and advocacy work that stretches back twenty years, Philippe Pastor has established himself as one of the leading artist-campaigners of today, committed to the fight for and preservation of our planetary heritage.

Presented by R+V Contemporary