MIA FONSSAGRIVES-SOLOW

Mia Fonssagrives Solow is an American contemporary artist based in New York, internationally renowned for her whimsical aesthetic. Sculpting has been her passion since childhood, driving her to seek pure lines, simple forms, serenity, and humor as she observes the world around her. 50 years ago, her stepfather, Irving Penn, urged her to remain in her garage studio and cultivate a substantial body of work. She heeded his advice, resulting in a prolific exploration across numerous forms and mediums. Beginning with wood in the 1970s and 1980s she then transitioned to bronze, glass, aluminum, and lucite fiberglass. She financed her latest artwork materials by crafting over 500 pieces of jewelry in silver and gold, which were showcased and sold in luxury stores along 5th Avenue and designer windows for Cartier, Asprey, Bergdorf Goodman, and Librairie Maeght in Paris. Her deep affection for animals serves as a constant inspiration for her collage and painting creations. Through her art, she aims to raise awareness and funds for animal causes, supporting organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund, Animal Medical Center, and Animals of the Rainforest.

Solow was enveloped in an environment rich with artistic influence. With parents Lisa and Fernand Fonssagrives, and stepfather Irving Penn, all immersed in photography, helped her observe and take in the world. It was natural for her to immerse herself in art, dedicating weekends and after-school hours to creative endeavors. Today, Solow utilizes her creativity into crafting animal forms, commencing with recycled materials and culminating in aluminum, which is powder coated and baked. "I've been fortunate," she reflects, "The drive to create remains constant. My gaze perpetually seeks the unexpected, absorbing and translating through her fingers”.