During the Monaco Grand Prix, Carton Rouge had the privilege of sharing a unique moment with French contemporary artist Valérie Durand, aboard the yacht of Sir Gautam Hari Singhania, one of India’s most influential business figures.
When Contemporary Art Meets Haute Couture
Valérie Durand’s connection with fashion is deeply rooted in her artistic journey. Before dedicating herself to contemporary art, she studied at ESMOD Paris, developing a strong sensitivity to colour, materials, composition and visual identity.
During this private moment in Monaco, her artworks entered into a natural dialogue with Sir Gautam Hari Singhania’s world of bespoke tailoring.
Two creative universes came together — contemporary art and haute couture — united by the same attention to craftsmanship, personality and detail.
This encounter perfectly reflects Valérie Durand’s artistic universe, where art, fashion and contemporary culture continuously inspire one another.
Discover Valérie Durand and her contemporary artworks with Carton Rouge.
Valérie Durand: From Fashion to Contemporary Art
Valérie Durand’s artistic universe is deeply influenced by her background in fashion.
After studying at ESMOD Paris, she developed a strong sensitivity to composition, materials, colour and visual identity — elements that continue to influence her contemporary artworks today.
Her work explores some of the most recognisable figures of modern culture, from cinema and music to Formula One and international icons.
Rather than simply reproducing familiar faces, Valérie Durand reinterprets them through her own contemporary visual language, creating artworks that combine cultural memory with a strong graphic presence.
This dialogue between art, fashion and popular culture gives her work a natural place within contemporary collections and sophisticated interiors.
Formula One Through Contemporary Art
Formula One has become an important source of inspiration within Valérie Durand’s work.
Drivers such as Lewis Hamilton, Carlos Sainz and Max Verstappen represent much more than motorsport. They have become international personalities associated with performance, style, innovation and contemporary culture.
Through portraiture, Valérie Durand transforms these figures into contemporary artworks, creating a connection between the visual intensity of Formula One and the world of art.
Presenting her works during the Monaco Grand Prix therefore created a particularly meaningful setting.
Monaco brings together motorsport, luxury, international collectors, entrepreneurs and cultural personalities in one of the world’s most recognisable environments.
For Carton Rouge, it also illustrates how contemporary art can move beyond traditional gallery spaces and become part of exceptional international experiences.
Motorsport, Cinema and Cultural Icons
Valérie Durand’s fascination with motorsport also extends beyond Formula One. Her work explores legendary figures such as Steve McQueen, whose connection with cinema, racing and automotive culture made him one of the defining icons of the twentieth century.
By bringing together motorsport, cinema and contemporary art, Valérie Durand continues to explore the personalities and cultural symbols that have shaped our collective imagination.
A Unique Moment in Monaco
A Unique Moment in Monaco
The Monaco Grand Prix offered a unique setting for Valérie Durand’s artworks, bringing together contemporary art, motorsport and luxury.
For Carton Rouge, this experience reflects our vision: presenting art beyond traditional gallery walls and creating meaningful connections between artists, collectors and international culture.
We sincerely thank Sir Gautam Hari Singhania for his warm hospitality and Valérie Durand for this memorable artistic experience in Monaco.
