'ATLAS 2000’ by Frederik Molenschot fuses the past and present in metallic silhouettes

“When I am on the road, everything I see around me inspires me to create. It can be any type of landscape—natural, industrial, urban, the cosmos, or the milky way,” says Frederik Molenschot, an artist and designer from the Netherlands. “I try to capture those moments in time and freeze them in bronze or other materials,” he continues. Growing up next to a factory kindled Molenschot’s passion for creating, which evolved unremittingly throughout his life, and now fuels his distinctive oeuvre. The onset of his artistic journey in 2000 began his personal 'Atlas'—a book of all his research, pictures, designs, and sketches. Stepping out of the pages of his creative chronicles, his designs now adorn the Parisian space of the Carpenters Workshop Gallery in a show aptly dubbed ATLAS 2000.

Contemporary art gallery based in London, Paris, New York and Los Angeles, Carpenters Workshop Gallery presents Molenschot’s first solo exhibition on view at 54 rue de la Verrerie in the Marais district of Paris. The show, open to the public from June 2 - September 1, 2023, brings the Dutch artist’s new works and latest research to the forefront—exhibiting works such as 'Gingerblimp,' 'Artificial Forest,' 'Bridge Beat,' 'S TATI CA,' 'The Grasspeople,' and 'Cosmos Life'. The singular repertoire lays bare sculptural silhouettes that shapeshift as furniture designs and lighting designs, while making a unique statement in any space they inhabit—rendering the exhibition space with Molenschot’s artistic expression.

“The significance of this solo show with the gallery is monumental for me. The name ATLAS 2000 encompasses everything that I have been working on since my time at the Academy in 2000. This exhibition provides the opportunity to showcase my works together and give more context to my artistic journey, who I am, and what I stand for,” Molenschot shares.

“My inspiration comes from the surroundings, the city, and the countryside, which provides me with shapes and forms,” he explains. Since his oeuvre revolves around landscapes and structures, the exhibition's scenography is an imminent reflection of his influences. The positioning of the pieces in each room and the route that visitors take through the exhibition space are carefully deliberated. “I wanted to create a narrative that people could walk through, and experience the space as it relates to the artwork,” says the artist, who is currently based out of Amsterdam. The layout is conceived in a way that the works fit cohesively within the space, while the visitors can acknowledge each piece in its intended context. In the back, a studio setting is ensconced, showcasing Molenscot’s working process alongside the less functional works' creations.

Molenschot’s work demonstrates a recurring inclination towards an aesthetic that meshes traditional skills and modern technologies. An expertise in using materials such as steel and bronze propels designs that are monumental yet intricately detailed—attributes that mark the showcased entities. 'Gingerblimp,' a giant chandelier and suspended lamp design, presents organic and vaguely familiar structures, while 'Artificial Forest' delves into the tensions between natural and artificial forests, and what it means for the landscapes of the future. “Gingerblimp is the most sculptural vegetable I have ever seen, and its shape is always unique,” the lighting designer comments.

'Bridge Beat,' a troupe of table designs, chair designs, lighting fixtures and a paper suit, speaks of imaginary bridges and reiterates the artist’s fascination with architecture and engineering. “I consider myself a landscape sculptor, and my works aim to transform and create wonder and connection with viewers,” Molenschot notes.

The multidisciplinary artist’s creative process originates from sources such as nature, art, landscape and technology—while considering the future context of the piece in tandem. The next step involves sketching and prototyping, where Molenschot dabbles with ideas and visual concepts. “I experiment with different forms, materials, and textures, through sketching, 3D modelling, and mock-ups,” he says. During the fabrication process, the product design is materialised in collaboration with skilled artisans and technicians, who employ a mix of traditional and modern techniques. Once the details and quality are deemed satisfactory, the process proceeds to overseeing the integration of the piece into a space—taking into account how it sets dialogue with the audience and enhances the overall ambience and functionality of its milieu. “My creative process is characterised by a balance between intuition and rationality, imagination and practicality, and art and architecture. I believe that my pieces should not only be aesthetically pleasing, but also meaningful and transformative, creating a sense of wonder and connection with the viewers,” he adds.

Represented by the gallery since 2008, Molenschot is widely recognised for his distinctive aesthetic, which combines traditional skills with modern technologies. The choice of Paris was motivated by the dynamic cultural energy of the city which fosters a receptive audience for Molenschot’s unique perspective. The product designer's works embody a unique fusion of the past and present, combining noble materials and elegant forms with cutting-edge technology and contemporary cultural references. Considering himself a landscape sculptor (he sculpts what he sees in landscapes), the multidisciplinary artist, with his innovative approach and his mastery of ancient techniques such as metalwork, foundry, and engraving, explores themes of history, nature, and technology, creating objects of art that have the power to captivate and inspire their audience.

'ATLAS 2000' will be on view from June 2 - September 1, 2023, at 54 rue de la Verrerie in the Marais district of Paris.