(Photo: Roberts Institute of Art / thierry_bal)
Francesca Mollett, a 32-year-old artist from London, has been mesmerizing art lovers and art lovers with her mysterious and impressionistic paintings. Although Mollett is relatively young and has quickly ascended through the ranks, she stays in a fascinating period of experimentation. Collectors and curators are flocking to acquire her works, even as she remains undecided about her artistic direction. This blend of uncertainty and talent has made her a standout figure in contemporary art.
Mollett's latest solo show, "Corso," at Grimm Gallery in New York, exemplifies the paradoxical nature of her art. The title, derived from an Italian word with multiple meanings, perfectly encapsulates the essence of her work: a dynamic interplay between representation and abstraction. Paintings like "Ravel" (2023), a twilight riverside scene, and "Murmur" (2023), a more abstract, gestural piece, showcase this duality. The viewer is left wondering about Mollett's artistic intentions, which oscillate between the recognizable and the abstract.
The Hallmark of Mollett's Work
This artistic tension is a hallmark of Mollett's work. She strives to capture the essence of a subject, yet in the process, it eludes her, creating an intriguing sense of mystery. This perpetual state of "in corso"-always in progress- is where her paintings find their unique character. Mollett's compositions often stem from fleeting moments of texture and light observed in the world around her, yet they evolve significantly during the creative process. Her method involves initial charcoal sketches followed by months of meticulous adjustments, resulting in pieces that feel alive and continually transforming.
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Mollett's dedication to her craft sometimes leads to last-minute changes. Jorg Grimm, the founder of Grimm Gallery, recounts how she removed a painting at the eleventh hour because it didn't meet her standards. For her, each painting must justify its existence in the world.
The Beginning of a Meteoric Rise
Grimm first encountered Mollett's work in 2022 during a group show at his New York gallery. Impressed by her talent, he quickly decided to collaborate with her. The subsequent solo exhibition, "Halves," at Grimm's Amsterdam location, sold out immediately, marking the beginning of Mollett's meteoric rise. Initially priced between $15,000 and $20,000, her paintings now command $65,000 to $70,000, reflecting her growing acclaim and the gallery's effort to manage market demand.
Auction houses have also taken note. Since December 2022, nine of Mollett's works have appeared at auction, often exceeding their presale estimates. Her piece "Two Thistles" (2021) fetched £254,000 at a Phillips auction, significantly above its £35,000 estimate. Mollett's success places her among young London-based painters revitalizing the abstract art market.
Collector Howard Rachofsky, founder of the Warehouse project space in Dallas, is among Mollett's enthusiastic supporters. He believes Mollett possesses that elusive "It" factor. Rachofsky, who has already acquired two of her paintings, plans to add more to his collection.
Strategic Market Management
To manage the high demand for Mollett's work, Grimm employs a strategic approach, offering collectors with museum connections the opportunity to purchase her paintings on the condition they support institutional acquisitions. This method ensures Mollett's work reaches prominent collections, enhancing her visibility and long-term recognition.
Francesca Mollett's paintings continue to intrigue and inspire, embodying a fluid, ever-evolving artistry that captivates the contemporary art scene. As she navigates her path, the art world watches eagerly, knowing that whatever the "It" factor is, Mollett undoubtedly possesses it.
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