The Curious Frenchy - 21 February 2020 - Geraldine Molia, inspired by Nature
French Morning London - 9 January 2020 - Geraldine Molia expose pour la première fois ses Ricochets
Ici Londres - January and February 2020 - L'agenda des sorties: Une Collection de Ricochets
Il Monferrato newspaper - 5 May 2019 - L'installazione di "We are ONE" con il gruppo ArtMoleto nel borgo monferrino, Italy
Artist Art Magazine - Summer 2019 - Voice of Artists, 100 award-winning visual artists you should know" - Issue number 7, Pages 10
ArtCan Interview - March 2019 - Artist Feature: Geraldine Molia
ArtMoleto festeggia - 11 May 2019 - il primo decennale di attività - Il Monferrato newspaper, Italy
ARTIT ArtMagazine - Summer 2018- NA(R)TURE - Issue number 2 - Pages 14 and 15
Il Monferrato - 27 July 2018 - Prossime mostre al Castello, Italy
Il Monferrato - 29 June 2018 - Andumma nel futuro, Italy
Artmoleto - June 2018 - Anduma, A look in to the future, exhibition catalogue - Pages 16 and 17
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The Curious Frenchy Interview
21 February 2020 - Geraldine Molia, inspired by Nature
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Geraldine Molia, is a Franco-British artist whose work explores the theme of nature. In her recent exhibition “Ricochets” at Carousel, Marylebone, London, she made a focus on stones “It was inspired by the rough stones displayed on the coffee table at my parents’ holiday home in France. Appearing unassuming at first sight, this mineral object has been a symbol of longevity and strength in many civilisations, across religion, astrology and science in particular.”With her work, the artists hopes to generate a conversation by inviting the viewer to question their own involvement and placement in society in order to preserve the environment.
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Molia studied art history and cultural projects management in France and she’s now based in London where she first exhibited her artwork in 2016 at the Strand Gallery. Since then she’s been exhibiting regularly in Europe and UK. The artist loves to get involved so she is an active ArtCan member since 2017, an organisation that helps artists to find their voice and sustain their practice and she’s actively supporting Hibiscus, a charity helping women victims of trafficking and abuse, through workshops that she animates. She shared with us about her artistic path, influences and projects ahead.
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Tell us about your art and your artistic path
I explore the theme of nature by combining botanical drawings (plants, trees, stones) with abstract compositions. I am fascinated by the notion of contemplation; life is particularly meaningful at a slower pace and nature offers this mindset. The natural world I depict is fantasized and domesticated.
I am very much attracted by the intrinsic duality within my art. Despite an apparent fragility, my work has a vibrancy and strength that is expressive and enticing. The subtle and delicate touch of organic inks and copper/gold leaves represent, actually, an unalterable nature.
Through this tension I also underline the threat of disappearance that the natural environment is facing. I paint a cabinet of wonders, an heirloom preciously kept for future generations.
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I am currently exploring the theme of stones. Appearing unassuming at first sight, this mineral object has been a symbol of longevity and strength in many civilisations, across religion, astrology and science in particular.
Stones are also used during my autohypnosis practice. I imagine carrying stones whilst projecting positive thoughts onto each of them. These visualisations enhance my concentration, imagination and general well-being.
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Who are your favorite artists or influencer?
Paul Klee (1879 -1940) triggered my passion for the Arts – his colourful squares have fascinated me since an early age – I remember filling checkered notepads with my pencils at the age of eight and reproduced many of his paintings as a teenager. I am always blown away by the subtlety and vibrancy of his watercolours from Tunisia and Sicily.
My references are eclectic: I admire the textures in Rubens’ paintings (1577-1640), the spirituality of Rothko (1903-1970), the exquisite compositions of Piero Della Francesca (1412-1492), Morandi (1890-1964) and Balthus (1908-2001). Living Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson (1967-) and singer Björk (1965-) have also had a lasting influence on my perception of a poetic nature. Listening Björk’s songs while painting is a pure joy, I am immediately transported. I would also mention my fascination for the Art Deco movement (1910’s-1930’s), the Bauhaus School (1919 -1933), contemporary dance (Sadler’s Wells is my favourite venue in London), pottery and architecture. Design and interiors’ magazines are also a fantastic source of inspiration!
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Can you describe your artistic process? How do you get inspired for your new creations ?
I am firstly attracted by a small detail such as a rudimentary shape or a graphic object. It can be an architectural element, an exhibition poster or sunlights on the floor. For example, my current solo show was inspired by the rough stones displayed on the coffee table at my parents’ holiday home in France. They have been placed there for years, but last summer I had a closer look and was suddenly attracted by their shapes, textures and colours. I then read thoroughly about their meanings and symbols.
My artworks are very graphic and structured: I use copper/gold leaves, ink, watercolour. I play with layers, collages and cutting paper. Many of my friends are architects and consider my art as very “architectural”. What a nice compliment!
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Do you have an anecdote that you’d like to share?
Olafur Eliasson is my “artist crush”. Back in Paris in 2007, I wrote my MA dissertation on how the Icelandic singer Bjork has embraced the concept of Total Art as defined by the German composer Richard Wagner (1813-1883) and I mentioned Olafur Eliasson’s work referring to their mutual admiration for nature. Over a decade later in London, I met him during a conference at Southbank Centre and I made him sign my dissertation: I suddenly thought the circle was complete!
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What are your projects for the coming months?
I am currently promoting my solo exhibition “Ricochets”, presented until 13 March at Carousel, Marylebone. As an ArtCan member, I am also going to apply to some exciting upcoming group exhibitions across the UK.
On the teaching side and for the second year, I am delivering art workshops for Hibiscus, a charity helping women victims of trafficking and abuse. Finally, I have collaborated with the Menorcan poet Carme Cloquells. Her new poetry collection will feature my latest artworks: I cannot wait to discover the printed edition! So 2020 looks already promising with, I hope, some more delightful opportunities and new encounters along the way.