Francois Morellet

François Morellet was a Freanch artist who played a significant role in the art world by co-founding GRAV (Groupe de Recherche d’Art Visuel).

François Morellet's Art Style

François Morellet was a self-taught artist. His artistic journey began in 1950 when he exhibited his geometric tone-in-tone pictures at the Galerie Creuze in Paris.

In the mid-1950s, he focused on expanding the picture field into an infinite structure that extended beyond the limits of the canvas. He initially employed painted grids made of wire, known as "Trames," and later experimented with neon forms, some of which could be interacted with by the viewer.

Morellet developed his own systems that incorporated elements of chance and whimsy to counterbalance the inherent arbitrariness of artistic decisions.

The artist played a significant role in the art world by co-founding GRAV (Groupe de Recherche d’Art Visuel) in 1960. This group of kinetic artists, including Julio Le Parc, explored visual arts through scientific and experimental methods.

Morellet's career also extended to architecture and public spaces from 1968, leading to commissions for the Centre Culturel in Compiègne, La Défense in Paris, and the Kröller-Müller Museum Park in Otterlo.