The founder of the water brand reveals fresh details of its cultural partnership with artist George Condo.
This spring, Monacqua embarks on a distinctive cultural collaboration with George Condo, one of contemporary art’s most singular voices. The initiative brings the artist’s unmistakable style into an unexpected setting—on a series of limited-edition water bottles—blending artistic expression with everyday experience in a way that feels at once understated and considered.
Condo, whose relationship with the Principality of Monaco spans decades, has long been a fixture in its cultural landscape. His ties to HRH Princess of Hanover and enduring collaborations with Monaco’s leading institutions have shaped a creative dialogue rooted in mutual respect and admiration. This new project builds upon that foundation, weaving together art, sustainability, and civic engagement.
Adding further resonance is a charitable auction planned for later this year, featuring a select number of bottles personally signed by the artist. Overseen by the esteemed auctioneer Simon de Pury, the auction’s proceeds will support the Princess Grace Foundation and its work with children in need—a gesture that reflects the initiative’s broader intent: to connect creativity with meaningful impact.
In Conversation with Geeta Kalwani, Founder of Monacqua
How did this collaboration come to life?
As a lifelong admirer of the arts, I believe that even the simplest moments of daily life can carry a quiet sense of delight when touched by literature, art, and culture. After all, a thing of beauty is a joy forever. Given Monacqua’s growing visibility, I was made a (very handsome) offer to use the bottles for some advertising. But diluting something I had built with such care and affection felt wrong. That’s when the idea came – why not carry art instead? Why not use the bottle to spread beauty, poetry, and culture – it’s the same as spreading joy!
I was sitting on these thoughts and then in October 2024, I attended a lecture on George Condo and something shifted. His international acclaim, his deep ties to Monaco and HRH Princess of Hanover – it all suddenly made sense. I pitched the idea to him; we could celebrate his retrospective at the Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris (MAM) at the end of 2025 and pay a tribute to the noble work of the Princess Grace Foundation, both at once. The collaboration took shape very naturally from that moment on.
What was the process of bringing this collaboration to life?
It has been incredibly exciting. Once George said yes, his team took over. We worked closely with his foundation lawyer – one of the most respected names in the creative world – to finalise the agreement. Every element, from packaging proofs to press materials, required his approval.
Along the way, we discovered that the specialised printing technique our cartons use – flexographic printing – had its limitations. Our first proofs had to be discarded, and we had to rework the digital format of the artwork several times in order to get it right. It was as technically demanding as it was creatively rewarding. What touched me most about the process was the kindness shown by George and his entire team. For someone widely regarded as one of the greatest living contemporary artists, the warmth shown throughout has been remarkable. I am both honoured and humbled.
How would you describe the spirit of this limited edition?
I’d like to think of the artwork as an interpretation of the Monaco woman: attractive, complex, and with eyes everywhere! With her bold yellow tones and surreal, fragmented features, the work is joyful, mischievous, and deep. It’s unmistakably George Condo – inviting people to pause, reflect, and feel, even just for a moment.
