Gilot Franoise

Gilot Françoise Biography

Françoise Gilot (born 26 November 1921) is a French painter, writer, and onetime companion of Pablo Picasso. She is known for her colorful, abstract paintings that are reminiscent of the work of Matisse and other early modernists. Gilot has also written several books, including

Life with Picasso

(1964) and

Matisse and Picasso: A Friendship in Art

(2006). She continues to live and work in France.

Early Life and Education

Gilot was born in Paris, France, on 26 November 1921. Her father was a doctor and her mother was a painter. Gilot began painting at an early age, and she studied art at the Académie Julian and the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. In 1943, she met Pablo Picasso, and the two became lovers. Gilot and Picasso had two children together, Claude and Paloma.

Career

Gilot's career as a painter began in the early 1940s. She had her first solo exhibition in Paris in 1949, and she has since had numerous solo exhibitions around the world. Gilot's paintings are characterized by their bright colors, abstract forms, and lyrical quality. She has been influenced by a wide range of artists, including Matisse, Picasso, and Klee.

In addition to her painting, Gilot has also written several books. Her first book,

Life with Picasso

(1964), is a memoir of her relationship with the artist. Gilot has also written several other books on art, including

Matisse and Picasso: A Friendship in Art

(2006) and

There Are No Secrets: The Passion and Intuition of Great Artists

(2018).

Personal Life

Gilot met Pablo Picasso in 1943, and the two became lovers. They had two children together, Claude and Paloma. Gilot and Picasso lived together for ten years, but they eventually separated in 1953. Gilot has since married twice more, first to Luc Simon and then to Jonas Salk. She currently lives in Paris, France.

Awards and Recognition

Gilot has received numerous awards and recognition for her work as a painter and writer. In 1990, she was awarded the Commandeur de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres. In 2004, she was awarded the Chevalier de la Légion d'honneur. Gilot's work is represented in numerous public and private collections around the world.

Social Media

• Instagram: @francoisegilotparis
• Twitter: @francoisegilot
• Facebook: francoise.gilot.7

Recent Projects

Gilot continues to paint and write in her studio in Paris. In 2019, she had a major retrospective exhibition at the Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris. Gilot is also working on a new book, which is scheduled to be published in 2023.

Other Information

• Gilot is a member of the Académie des Beaux-Arts.
• She is a recipient of the Commandeur de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres and the Chevalier de la Légion d'honneur.
• Gilot's work is represented in numerous public and private collections around the world.
• She continues to live and work in Paris, France.