Francesca Grilli on Art, Motherhood, and the Need for Systemic Change
In an interview with Artribune, Italian artist Francesca Grilli discusses the economic challenges of being an artist, her reliance on multiple income streams including sales through Galleria Umberto Di Marino, performance sales, and teaching. She highlights the benefits of Belgium's Artist Statute, which provided support during her second maternity leave. Grilli calls for greater interdisciplinary collaboration and support for experimental practices like performance in Italy, criticizing the slow pace of change in overcoming patriarchal structures. She reflects on balancing globetrotting art practice with family life, having moved to Brussels to find a more supportive environment for her alternative family model. Grilli emphasizes the importance of integrating her daughters into her creative process and teaching them to see the world broadly.
Key facts
- Francesca Grilli is an Italian artist based in Brussels.
- Her income comes from sales via Galleria Umberto Di Marino, performance sales, and teaching.
- She benefits from Belgium's Artist Statute, which provides income support for qualifying artists.
- Grilli had her second child in 2018 and credits the statute for enabling her maternity leave.
- She advocates for more interdisciplinary support and recognition of performance art.
- Grilli criticizes Italy's slow progress in moving beyond patriarchal systems in art and society.
- She moved to Brussels in 2009 to find a more supportive environment for her family and art.
- She integrates her daughters into her artistic practice and travels with them.
- The interview is part of Artribune's series on support for women artists.
- The article was published in Artribune Magazine #51.
Entities
Artists
- Francesca Grilli
- Liliana Moro
Institutions
- Galleria Umberto Di Marino
- Artribune
- Padiglione Italia
- Biennale di Venezia
Locations
- Italy
- Belgium
- Brussels
- Venezia