Monika was born in
Morocco
where she spent most of her childhood. Her interest for art began at a very young age – at 8 years old - and she has been painting ever since. Monika traveled the world living in
Morocco,
France,
Japan,
England,
Mexico,
Brazil
and the
USA.
All her work is influenced by the numerous cultures she has encountered. Her style takes a new turn when she moves to
Mexico City
in 1997, and works in the studio of Dolores de la Barra, a Mexican impressionist painter.
For three years, she learns all the techniques, starting with charcoal for months before switching to colors. In 1998, Monika participates in the exhibition « Inquietud Interior », in
Mexico City
, an artistic event publicized in several newspapers.
In 2000, Monika moves to
San Paulo
,
Brazil
, and attends the Pan Americana de Arte art school where she acquires and applies different creative methods, thus giving a more « free » substance and depth to her art.
In 2001, she moves with her family to
Westchester
,
New York
, and studies for 2 years at the
Rye
Art
Center
with Brigitte Loritz, watercolorist, following at the same time the class of Larry D’Amico, an oil painter.
In 2003, she continues her learning process going to the Advanced Painting Seminar run by David Fox, an English painter, at the Westchester Art Workshop in
White Plains.
In 2005, Monika exhibits at the Pool Art Fair held in Soho
(Manhattan), to present her series of dyptiques which encounters great success.
In 2006, her carreer takes a new boost. She exhibits in
Paris
in the Salon des Artistes Independants, and in the Gallerie Thuilliers. In Manhattan, she participates in a Benefit Party at the New York Academy of Sciences where her painting is sold at the auction. In November 2006, she exhibits and sells the painting "Inside Out" in the Grand Palais in Paris. In 2007, she exhibits and sells the painting "Z" in the Grand Palais again. See press release
The core of Monika's painting is focused on faces and colors, with a particular fascination for eyes. "I want my painting to look at me when I look at it", she says. For her, "Eyes are like an 
entrance to the inside of a person; a transparent door to one's soul". The strongest way to communicate. Visit the eyes art gallery
Monika lives with her husband and their three children in
Mamaroneck
,
New York
. Her time is shared between her family, her charity and her studio.
