From Mythology to Robots

Galerie Agnès Monplaisir is pleased to present the solo exhibition by Mia Fonssagrives Solow, From Mythology to Robots, opening October 14th. In this exhibition, Fonssagrives Solow explores the intersection of mythology and technology through both fine jewelry and sculpture, which captures her stunning artistic mastery in the mediums of wood and metals. Drawing from her signature playful aesthetic, her series of abstract wooden torsos re-interprets the traditional sculptures and legends of Ancient Greece, while her bronze and aluminum robots translates both legendary mythological figures and the personalities of influential people the artist has known through the lens of technology. Fonssagrives-Solow’s industrial-chic fine jewelry adapts these same forms through precious stones and metals, creating stunningly unique pieces of wearable art. The entire collection is embued with the characteristic humor and vibrancy of Fonssagrives Solow’s work, as these ancient legends are exhumed and reinvigorated for the modern age.

Particularly drawn to early African art, Fonssagrives Solow also shares in this exhibition a special connection with the artistic representation of King Behazin of Dahomey. It was Fonssagrives Solow’s great-grandfather, Captain Jean-Baptist Fonssagrives, who brought the first early African art to Paris, including a large sculpture of King Behazin. These were same pieces that drew the attention of Picasso and Braque, greatly
influencing the evolution of modern art. In this collection of playful, contemporary sculpture Fonssagrives Solow gives a nod to the influences and great works of art from the past, translating these ideas through her own personal and futuristic lens. These works are at once mechanistic and viscerally human.

Mia Fonssagrives-Solow is an internationally celebrated artist and designer. As the daughter of photographer Fernand Fonssagrives and super model Lisa Fonssagrives, as well as the step-daughter of Irving Penn, Mia was born into and molded by a world of art and design. She has exhibited work throughout the U.S. and Paris and has graced the pages of many lauded publications, such as W, Elle, Instyle, Harper’s Bazaar and Artnet.