Born in Hungary, Vera Molnár moved to Paris in 1947, where she spent the remainder of her career. Her early work focused on geometric abstraction, but she gained significant recognition for her transition into algorithmic art, utilizing early mainframe computers to generate complex, rule-based compositions.

Her practice was defined by the use of the machine imaginaire—a conceptual framework she developed to simulate computer processes before she gained direct access to hardware. She explored themes of order, chaos, and the systematic variation of geometric forms, often employing plotters to translate digital code into physical drawings.

Molnár remained a central figure in the intersection of art and technology throughout her life. She was a founding member of the Groupe de Recherche d'Art Visuel and the Art et Informatique group, cementing her legacy as a foundational influence on contemporary digital and generative art movements.