François Morellet was a French artist celebrated for his systematic and playful approach to geometric abstraction. Born in Cholet in 1926, he became a leading figure in post-war European art, known for his use of mathematical systems, grids and repetition. Morellet was a founding member of the Groupe de Recherche d’Art Visuel (GRAV), a collective that explored kinetic and optical art through audience participation and dynamic installations.
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A Pioneer of Geometric and Kinetic Art
Throughout his career, Morellet distanced himself from subjective expression in favour of logic, chance and rule-based processes. His work aligns closely with geometric abstraction, where clean lines and precise compositions create a sense of rhythm and structure. As a pioneer of kinetic art, he sought to engage viewers physically and visually, often using light, movement or optical illusions to generate dynamic experiences. His association with GRAV placed him at the heart of a movement that bridged art, science and technology in the 1960s.
Conceptual Rigour and International Influence
Morellet’s work also intersected with minimalism and conceptual art. Rather than relying on intuition, he embraced predetermined systems, randomness and grids—sometimes generated with the aid of mathematical formulas. He exhibited widely across Europe and the Americas, including major retrospectives at Centre Pompidou and MoMA. Today, his paintings, installations and neon works continue to resonate with collectors and institutions for their clarity, wit and pioneering spirit.