Molly Doyle Sullivan

Artist statement:

My work explores the tension between stillness and movement, presence and absence, quiet and intensity—capturing moments that hold emotion without overwhelming it. Each piece is rooted in personal experience, yet I resist the impulse to sensationalize. Instead, I translate feeling into fantastical, abstract compositions that remain open to interpretation.

Influenced by Art Deco, Art Nouveau, Cubism, and Impressionism, I use restrained lines and bold forms to build a visual language that is simple in structure yet layered with meaning. I am currently working in black and white, using the absence of color to heighten balance, contrast, and the emotional weight of form. My goal is to create spaces for connection—works where even the smallest mark can carry depth, inviting reflection and fostering a quiet but enduring resonance.

About:

Molly Doyle Sullivan is a Minneapolis-based artist and curator working primarily in black and white. Born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, She attended the Chicago High School for the Arts and earned early college credits through a scholarship program with the Art Institute of Chicago. In 2021, she received her BFA in Fine Arts Studio from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design.

In her artistic practice, Molly is deeply invested in pushing the boundaries of her work, striving to create pieces that are both therapeutic and reflective of her personal experiences. Her recent exploration of block printing and ink work underscores her commitment to producing art that embodies permanence and authenticity, distinguishing human creativity from machine replication.

Beyond her studio practice, Molly has actively advocated for equitable arts education and improved the ethics of institutional spaces. She challenges traditional curation practices to better showcase diverse cultures, ethnicities, and marginalized gender groups, aiming to foster a more inclusive and representative art world.