Tennis Reborn in Monaco, curated by The Art Trotter
May 15, 2025What happens when sport, sustainability, and contemporary art intersect in unexpected and poetic ways?
As a curator and art advisor with a deep commitment to uncovering distinct voices in the art world, I recently had the pleasure of curating an exhibition that explores exactly that question. Titled Tennis Reborn, the exhibition took place on the French Riviera and introduced audiences to the Madrid-based artist Amova – a rare talent whose work transforms overlooked materials into conceptual and visually compelling paintings.
In my role as founder of The Art Trotter, I seek out artists who challenge perception and form – and bring fresh, meaningful narratives into contemporary collections. Amova is precisely such an artist.
If you follow my work, you may have already seen glimpses of this project on Instagram. If you're discovering me for the first time: welcome. What you’re about to explore is a curated journey into a world where art meets sport, memory, and material transformation.
I first encountered Amova at the Venice Biennale, and was immediately struck by her unique visual language and ability to merge tennis-inspired iconography with deeply personal and conceptual inquiry. Her work presents a bold reinterpretation of the readymade – breathing new life into used tennis balls and reimagining them as elements of formal and emotional expression.
Tennis Reborn by Amova; from the exhibition Tennis Reborn in Monaco, curated by The Art Trotter
A Conceptual Practice Rooted in Sport, Ritual, and Material Afterlife
What actually happens to a tennis ball after the match is over?
How long does it last – and what becomes of it once it’s discarded?
These questions form the conceptual foundation of Amova’s practice. Her paintings invite us to rethink the afterlife of everyday materials – to consider what we overlook, and what can be reactivated through artistic process.
Tennis has been central to Amova’s life since childhood. Her artistic journey began in jewellery design, but it was during a match at the Madrid Open that the initial idea for Tennis Reborn crystallized. After an extended period of research and experimentation, she developed a meticulous technique for embedding used tennis balls into the fabric of her work – turning waste into elegance, and memory into form.
The Art Trotter next to Tennis Blooming by Amova; from the exhibition Tennis Reborn in Monaco, curated by The Art Trotter
Series Highlights: From Rhythm to Cosmos
Her debut series, SET 30:30, features 30x30 cm canvases that pulse with rhythmic energy and chromatic intensity – a direct nod to the tempo of the game and its scoring system. These compact, energetic compositions have become her most in-demand works to date.
In Tennis Blooming, Amova opens the tennis balls and transforms them into abstract floral forms – cosmic, blooming shapes inspired by stars and natural geometry. The effect is both lyrical and precise: a conversation between physical residue and the metaphysical.
SET 30-30, Amova, from the exhibition Tennis Reborn in Monaco, curated by The Art Trotter
Because tennis is also deeply social, Amova includes others in her process. She invites professional tennis players to sign used balls, which she then integrates directly into her compositions. These signed works create a layered narrative of performance, presence, and personal memory.
A striking example is Monaco Inspired, a work tinted in the terracotta hues of the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters courts – and signed by 2023 champion Andrey Rublev. The piece embodies the confluence of place, performance, and personal trace – themes that resonate across her practice.
Photo: Monte-Carlo Country Club © www.montecarlotennismasters.com. Artwork: Monaco Inspired, autographed by Andrey Rublev, Amova; from the exhibition Tennis Reborn in Monaco, curated by The Art Trotter.
Amova’s Market Trajectory and Artistic Value
As an artist and trained jeweller, Amova works in small volumes. Each piece is marked by extraordinary craftsmanship, technical precision, and a distinctive conceptual framework. Her works are increasingly sought after by international collectors, and are now part of prominent private collections across Europe and the United States.
In my work as an advisor, I’m often looking for artists whose work is not only visually striking but also investment-worthy – grounded in strong ideas, rare in execution, and ready to take on the international market. Amova fits this profile with clarity.
Tennis Blooming, autographed by Andrey Rublev, Amova; from the exhibition Tennis Reborn in Monaco, curated by The Art Trotter
Collecting Opportunity – Curated for You
Are You Feeling inspired? 😍
This is a unique opportunity to discover a highly original voice in European contemporary art – and, perhaps, to add a piece to your own collection that carries both material beauty and intellectual depth.
I’m currently offering a limited selection of Amova’s works for acquisition, with worldwide shipping available.
👉 View available works, a video message from the artist, and the full exhibition catalogue here:
https://www.thearttrotter.com/amova
If you have any questions, would like tailored advice on choosing a piece, or are considering a custom commission in your preferred colours and scale, don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly at [email protected].
I’ll be happy to assist – whether it’s selecting the right piece, advising on placement, or helping you integrate it seamlessly into your space or collection.
For more images and impressions from the exhibition, head over to my Instagram feed and highlights:
@the_art_trotter
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