MOLLIE LARUM
Artist Statement
My artistic practice centers on the intersection of feminism and the human figure, situating my subjects within weightless, undefined environments, in spaces that are surrounded by the unknown. In these settings, the nuance of expression becomes paramount. I am fascinated by the reciprocal nature of looking, as well as the feeling of being observed. The figures in my work are not passive, but are aware of their being perceived.
I’m deeply drawn to the great artists of the 19th century and to the Dutch and Italian masters. Studying the paintings of Mary Cassatt, John Singer Sargent, and Vermeer has been a long, immersive process and their techniques continue to guide and inspire my own practice.
Transitioning from a background of rigorous, meticulous representation, I have discovered a profound creative liberation in blending naturalistic rendering with raw, contemporary elements. This juxtaposition often involves using layering techniques to establish a veil between the viewer and the subject, a barrier that evokes a place or an emotional state that feels tantalizingly close yet ultimately unreachable.
My work is deeply rooted in my identity as a woman, and I paint intentionally from a distinctly female perspective. I seek to externalize the internal, giving form to the complex tapestry of the female experience. I aim to create a space for confrontation. Through these figures, I strive to make the intangible weight of the woman's experience tangible, challenging the viewer to engage with these narratives in an intimate and deeply resonant way. MollieLarum.com
Biography
Mollie Larum is a Boston-based oil painter and graduate of the Massachusetts College of Art and Design with Departmental Honors. Working through a feminist lens, the practice explores the naturalistic rendering of the human figure while engaging contemporary themes surrounding identity, agency, and the complexities of everyday experience. Drawing on the traditions of classical realism, each painting emphasizes careful observation and technical precision while creating space for psychological nuance and quiet tension.
Rather than relying on overt narrative, the work invites prolonged looking, allowing subtle gestures, expressions, and moments of human vulnerability to carry emotional weight. Contemporary concerns are approached through timeless figurative painting, creating a dialogue between historical technique and present-day experience. Currently expanding artistic practice from Boston to New York City through gallery exhibitions and broader professional engagement.
CV
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Independent Freelance Artist
May 2023 - Present
Consult with clients to understand their vision, present rough drafts for feedback, and incorporate necessary revisions to finalize the artwork
Manage multiple active projects simultaneously, set realistic timelines, and consistently meet strict deadlines
Proficiency in a wide array of artistic mediums and digital software suites (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Procreate).
GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2026 - Summer Juried Exhibition, Viridian Artists, New York, NY
2026 - Absurdity, Artisans Asylum, Boston, MA
2023 - Illustration Senior Thesis Exhibition, Massachusetts College of Art and Design, Boston, MA
2022- All School Show, Arnheim Gallery, Boston, MA
EDUCATION
Massachusetts College of Art and Design, Boston, MA
BFA in Illustration, 2023
Received Departmental Honors
AWARDS
2023 - Faculty Special Recognition Award, Massachusetts College of Art and Design