FRANÇOISE GILOT
1970-95 CALIFORNIA
In 1970, Gilot marries the scientist Dr. Jonas Salk and moves to California. The Southwestern nature is untamed with its earthquakes, fires, torrential rains and subsequent flooding, moving man and buildings like light straws. Movement, likewise, inflames Gilot. The characters in her plays are transformed into silhouettes, dancers, acrobats or football players that are thrust into motion, as are hills, trees, and oceans. Meanwhile, the sun erases all details and inspires Gilot to move away from textured subtle renditions to flat planes of strong colors that are used at their most intense. This is also a period of great media explorations.
1974, it is the beginning of the long collaboration and friendship with Jack Manguno of the Mann Gallery, New Orleans. In 1975, for Californian modern homes, Gilot paints a series of screens to act as room divider. She starts a long collaboration with Mary Riggs of the Riggs Gallery in La Jolla, CA.
In 1980, for an exhibition in Australia, Gilot creates the “Floating Paintings” like stage sets. Both sides are painted with acrylic on large loose fabrics, hang by a rod.
In 1981, Gilot acquires a loft in New York and starts working there as well.
In 1985, she paints the backdrop Dream Twilight and designs costumes for Satyavan, by composer Joel Thome, performed at the Guggenheim Museum Theatre.