PRESS RELEASE – Tribute event in Monte Carlo, Monaco
SEPTEMBER 16, 2012
NIKOS FLOROS’ ARTWORK ENTHRALLS AT GRACE: SYMBOL OF CHANGE
TRIBUTE EVENT IN MONTE CARLO, MONACO
The exquisite sculptures of world-renown artist Nikos Floros enthralled all at the special tribute GRACE: SYMBOL OF CHANGE, a three-day event which was held from September 14-September 16th, 2012 at the elegant Hotel de Paris in Monte Carlo, Monaco. Under the auspices of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, the event was organized by Ladies and the City and Nikos Floros was invited to present sculptures which included the Wedding Gown, Day Dress, three pairs of pumps and the Kelly bag all of which epitomized the elegance and style of Princess Grace. H.S.H. Prince Albert II did not hesitate to thank and congratulate Mr. Floros personally for his special tribute. After this special tribute the major Wedding Gown sculpture will be exhibited and open to the public at the Metropole Palace in Monte Carlo, Monaco.
The three-day event kicked off with a glamorous gala on Friday evening with a star-studded international guest list including dignitaries and society members, among them famous French TV host, Stephane Bern, renown athlete Pierre Frolla and countless others. There was a great deal of interest and coverage by international media.
The central work of the exhibition, a sculptural costume inspired by the beautiful wedding dress worn by Grace Kelly for her marriage to Prince Ranier of Monaco. The sculptural gown was first presented as the central work at a very successful solo exhibition at the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, D.C., USA. The sculpture is made of thousands of woven pieces of aluminum using over 4,000 Coca-Cola cans (specifically Coca Cola Light) in a unique design and intricacy which required over two years to complete. The particular method used has been created and patented by the sculptor Nikos Floros and is characteristic of his art. In this particular sculpture, Mr. Floros used an especially fine and intricate weave inspired by the magnificent fine lace of the original wedding gown. The sculpture is 10 feet in length, 5.5 feet wide and 6.5 feet tall.
In addition, another major work presented,was Day Dress, inspired by the first meetings between Grace Kelly and Prince Ranier, and is a work which epitomizes the elegance and style that Grace Kelly was known for. The exhibition also included three pairs of elegant and stylish pumps.
Mr. Floros also contributed a sculpture inspired by the famous Kelly Bag for the auction associated with this event. Proceeds will benefit the Princess Grace Foundation.
Nikos Floros’ pop art and surrealist sculptures utilize materials taken from our everyday lives which he reworks to create very unique and beautiful sculptures.
Nikos Floros was born in Tripoli, Arcadia GREECE. He studied at the School of Fine Arts (Ecole des Beaux Arts) in Paris as well as classical piano and classical theater. His sculptures are exhibited in museums and private collections. Recognitions and prizes he has received have included Grand Prize, for the “Red Queen Elizabeth” costume, awarded by the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute and presented by the curator Harold Koda of the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute. He also received the Grand Prize, for the “Silver Elizabeth I” costume, from the French Heritage Society at the “Young Friends Heritage Society” and Golden Medal of Arts and Sciences, Albert Schweitzer Foundation in Vienna, Austria, November 2011
Mr. Floros’ work has received worldwide recognition and has been covered by major news services such as Reuters, BBC, Sky News, ABC News, New York Times, Vogue, W, Associated Press and many other news and television channels throughout the world.