Janine MONGILLAT (1929-2002) - Lot 2

Janine MONGILLAT (1929-2002) Abstract composition, 1961 Oil on canvas, signed "Mongillat" lower right, countersigned "Mongillat" and dated on the back 73 x 116 cm EXHIBITION: "A Life Loving Working (1953 - 2002) - Janine Mongillat S H Raza", Curated by Catherine David, Gallery I x I modern, Dubai, February 28 to July 31, 2023. Resale rights are the responsibility of the buyer. The condition report is available prior to the sale on request to the following email address: contact@neo-encheres.com. We would like to thank the Raza Foundation Gorbio for confirming the authenticity of this work, referenced in the archives of Mr. Sayed Haider Raza under number RFM 235. NOTICE Wife of Sayed Haider Raza Mongillat is a French artist who has made her mark on the abstract art scene thanks to her unique vision and innovative approach to painting on canvas. Born in 1940, she has developed a plastic language that combines elements of color, form and texture, creating works that question perception and emotion, while exploring the relationship between art and human experience. Mongillat's work is distinguished by its bold palette, where bright, saturated colors blend with more subtle, nuanced tones. This use of color is not merely aesthetic; it is deeply expressive. The vibrant hues, which she often applies in successive layers, create a visual depth that seems to evolve with light and movement. Each canvas becomes a dynamic space where the viewer's eye is drawn to explore surfaces, discover unsuspected details and experience a variety of emotions. Shapes are another essential feature of Mongillat's work. Mongillat skilfully juggles precise geometric patterns with fluid organic lines. This duality lends his works an inner tension that reflects the complexity of the human condition. Geometric forms, often rigid, can evoke solid structures and a certain rationality, while fluid lines suggest movement, life and unpredictability. This interplay between order and chaos is a reflection on the very nature of existence, where the artist seeks to capture beauty in imperfection and change. A fundamental aspect of Mongillat's work is her commitment to the creative process. For her, painting is first and foremost an exploration, a quest for meaning that unfolds on canvas. She uses a variety of techniques, from dripping to gestural application, to create works that seem to vibrate with intrinsic energy. This process of experimentation is at the heart of her practice; each brushstroke becomes an affirmation of the present moment, a way of interacting with the canvas as a living space. Janine Mongillat's art is not limited to simple representation; it also evokes reflections on memory and identity. Her works invite the viewer to introspect, to navigate the emotional landscapes she creates. The canvases can be seen as mirrors, reflecting not only the artist's vision, but also the experiences and emotions of those who contemplate them. This interaction creates a dialogue between the work and the viewer, transforming each encounter with her painting into a uniquely personal experience. At the same time, Mongillat is part of an artistic movement that challenges the boundaries of abstraction. She dialogues with renowned artists while forging her own path. Her work is rooted in a tradition that values experimentation and innovation, but she manages to infuse her own sensibility and feminine vision of abstraction. This enables her to stand out in an art world often dominated by male voices. In short, Janine Mongillat's work is a celebration of abstraction, a testament to the richness of human experience and an invitation to explore the depths of perception. Through her vibrant, dynamic canvases, she prompts us to reflect on our relationship with the world, our memory and our identity. In this quest for meaning, Mongillat succeeds in creating visual spaces that are both accessible and deeply introspective, making her a key figure in contemporary art.