Antoine Dufilho Porsche: art and legend

Porsche occupies a unique place in Antoine Dufilho’s work. Since 2016, the self-taught artist has created more than 10 different models and versions of the German brand. In addition, each sculpture explores an innovative technique. This artistic relationship reflects a fascination with mechanical excellence.

The genesis: Porsche 356, the founding model

Antoine Dufilho’s first Porsche is born in 2016. This 356 inaugurates the longitudinal cut. In addition, the mirror-polished reflections suggest a damask effect. The artist describes this first approach as revolutionary. Indeed, it lays the foundations for his future work.

Then, in 2017, the 356 evolved. It becomes the artist’s first longitudinal sculpture. This version marks a major technical turning point. The metal plates create unprecedented transparency.

Finally, in 2023, came the 356 Asymmetrical. This version embodies a totally new concept. Asymmetry creates an illusion in our brains. As a result, the static object appears to rise or fall. The artist explains: “Our brains tend, by anticipation, to imagine the logical sequence of events. When it perceives an asymmetrical object, it projects itself into movement.” This artistic trick takes the search for movement a step further.

Revolutionary techniques applied to Porsche

Stainless steel tube technology

The 2020 Porsche 930 inaugurates the use of stainless steel tubes. This interpretation forms an artistic honeycomb. Viewed from the front, the car disappears completely. However, the overall morphology remains recognizable from the side. The tubes create maximum frontal transparency.

This approach differs from blade processing. Nevertheless, it is in line with the artist’s quest for transparency. The technique will be reused for other iconic models.

The “Solar” technique

The Porsche 993 represents a major innovation. It inaugurates the technique dubbed “Solaire” by the artist. Two sets of plates fit together without ever touching. In this way, they evoke gears in perpetual motion.

This sculpture tells the story of the 993. As the last air-cooled Porsche, it marks a transition. Likewise, the sculpture symbolizes the passage to a new era. The two assemblies work together like precision mechanics. At the same time, they perfectly illustrate Porsche’s philosophy.

The “Streamline” technique

The Porsche 992 adopts the Streamline treatment. Longitudinal plates lend elegance and dynamism. In its bead-blasted raw metal finish, the light cuts through the plates. This creates a unique visual effect. Streaks of air seem to move across the bodywork.

This modern Porsche returns to its roots. The widened rear wings are faithfully represented. The characteristic generous shapes are present. The artist adds subtle details to the front end.

Progressive asymmetry

The Porsche 901 features a special innovation. This first descendant of the 356 uses progressive asymmetry. The plates are very tight at the front. They then gradually spread out towards the rear.

This arrangement plays with perception. The kinetic effect is accentuated. What’s more, the plates take on new shapes. They resemble blades on the bodywork.

Porsche’s monumental works

Gunmetal Symphony: the titanic 911

Gunmetal Symphony impresses with its dimensions. This Porsche 911 is 4.30 metres long. It is 1.80 metres wide and 1.40 metres high. Stainless steel tubes create an intricate lacework of metal.

The 2021 edition of Art UP! reveals this creation to the public. The artist takes on a new challenge with this work. The oval, hollowed-out wheels reinforce the impression of speed. Viewed from the front, an artistic honeycomb appears.

Antoine Dufilho plays with antagonisms. Emptiness and fullness are in constant dialogue. Illusion and reality clash. From the static, he seeks a dynamic. The work offers a 360-degree kinetic vision.

Chameleon: the perfect optical illusion

For Retromobile 2023, Dufilho presents a completely new product. Chameleon is inspired by the Porsche 910. This car raced at Le Mans in 1966 and 1967. The Streamline treatment gives it a sleek look.

The innovation lies in the two-tone treatment. Each side of the plate has a different color. One side blue, one side yellow. Light reverberation creates an additional color: green. The edges remain raw, revealing the bare metal.

The sculpture changes according to the viewpoint. Seen from three-quarters of the way in front of the left, it appears yellow. Viewed from the right, it appears entirely blue. This playful effect delights the audience. The work merges with its environment.

Chronological development: from 901 to 992

Every Porsche model tells a story. The 901 represents the very first 911. Its original name was changed for legal reasons. The artist innovates with progressive asymmetrical placement.

The 930, soberly named “Porsche Turbo”, used stainless steel tubes. Its 3-liter engine developed 260 horsepower. The sculpture captures this raw power.

The 993 marks the end of an era. The last air-cooled Porsche, it inaugurates Solaire technology. It symbolizes tradition and innovation at the same time.

The 992 features the styling cues of the original 911. The Streamline treatment modernizes this icon. The Carrera GT becomes a “timeless beauty” in the hands of the artist. Every detail is meticulously crafted.

The C4S model introduces a bold design. The positioning of the blades creates a dynamic interplay. It symbolizes the balance between heritage and precision.

Porsche in Dufilho’s global oeuvre

Porsche is the most explored brand after Ferrari. More than 10 different creations bear witness to this passion. In fact, each model explores a new technique.

Porsche’s works are exhibited in prestigious venues. Art UP! Lille welcomes Gunmetal Symphony in 2021. Retromobile 2023 unveils Cameleon to the public. These major events confirm artistic recognition.

Represented in over 50 international galleriesDufilho transcends the automobile. His Porsches are not mere reproductions. On the contrary, they reinvent the very essence of the brand. Mechanical precision becomes visual poetry.

Antoine Dufilho turns Porsche into an artistic legend. Each sculpture captures the brand’s DNA. Performance, innovation and excellence become tangible. Between stainless steel tubes and asymmetrical plates, the artist reveals the soul of Porsche. His work bears witness to a deep understanding of Stuttgart’s identity. Art and legend meet in sculpted metal.

All automobile sculptures by Antoine Dufilho

To keep up with Antoine Dufilho’s latest news and discover his upcoming exhibitions in France and around the world: www.antoinedufilho.com and @antoine.dufilho on Instagram.