Ponti Art Gallery is interested in buying and selling works
of art by this artist.
Guido Molinari Biography
Guido Molinari, born on October 12, 1933, in Montreal, Quebec, was a towering figure in the Canadian art scene, known for his profound influence on contemporary Canadian art through his serial abstract paintings, particularly the Stripe series. His parents, hailing from Cune (Borgo a Mozzano, Tuscany) and Naples, Campania, instilled in him a rich Italian heritage. Molinari's artistic journey began at the tender age of 13, and by 16, he had already developed an existentialist approach to art, influenced by his readings of Nietzsche, Sartre, Piaget, and Camus during a bout with tuberculosis.
Molinari's formal education in art took place at the École des beaux-arts de Montréal (1948-1950) and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (1951), where he studied under Marian Scott and Gordon Webber. These early experiences laid the foundation for his lifelong commitment to abstraction, a commitment that was further solidified during his time in New York. There, he was inspired by the works of Barnett Newman and Jackson Pollock, which encouraged him to explore and eventually master the realm of abstract expressionism.
Upon returning to Montreal, Molinari became a pivotal figure in the city's art scene. He founded the Galerie L’Actuelle, the city's first gallery dedicated to contemporary art, and played a significant role in the Non-Figurative Artists Association of Montreal. His marriage to Fernande Saint-Martin in 1958 marked the beginning of a lifelong partnership that would significantly impact his career and the Canadian art landscape.
Throughout the 1960s, Molinari's work evolved to feature vertical bands of equal width placed on a flat picture plane, a style that became synonymous with his name. His exploration of color harmonies and the spatial relationships between colors led to the creation of visually striking compositions that challenged viewers' perceptions. This period of his career was marked by significant achievements, including representing Canada at the 1968 Venice Biennale alongside Ulysse Comtois and receiving the Guggenheim Fellowship in 1967.
Molinari's contributions to the art world were not limited to his paintings. He was an influential teacher, spending nearly three decades imparting his knowledge and passion for art at Sir George Williams University and Concordia University. His theoretical writings and strong opinions on art and abstraction played a crucial role in shaping the next generation of artists.
Beyond his work as an artist and educator, Molinari was an avid art collector. His extensive collection included works by Mondrian, Matisse, John Cage, Jasper Johns, and other luminaries of modern art. This collection not only reflected his deep appreciation for abstraction and modernism but also served as a source of inspiration for his own creations.
Molinari's legacy is preserved through the Fondation Guido Molinari, established to promote and perpetuate his work. The foundation, located in his last studio/residence, serves as an exhibition, conference, and documentation center, supporting emerging artists and advancing Molinari's vision for the art world.
Guido Molinari passed away on February 21, 2004, in Montreal, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to influence and inspire. His work is celebrated in major collections worldwide, including the National Gallery of Canada, the Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal, and the Guggenheim Museum in New York. Molinari's life and work stand as a testament to the power of abstraction and the enduring impact of a visionary artist on the world of contemporary art.
Guido Molinari Quotes and
Sales of Works
Ponti Art Gallery selects and deals with paintings by the
artist. Upon request, we provide free estimates and
evaluations, communicate prices, quotations, and current
market values.
If you are interested in BUYING or SELLING works by the
artist, contact us immediately.
If you wish to sell or receive an evaluation of the
works:
Send us a frontal photo of the painting, one of the back,
and one of the signature. Also, indicate the dimensions of
the work. Inform us about the purchase origin of the work
and any kind of available documentation (purchase
receipts, certificates of authenticity, publications). One
of our operators will respond to you on the same day. We
guarantee maximum confidentiality and extreme
professionalism.
If you wish to purchase works by the painter: Contact us
and let us know your request. We will inform you about the
available works. We also offer the possibility to
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informed at the beginning of each month about the latest
acquisitions of the art gallery.
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