Antoine Dufilho: the French talent that seduces collectors
With a limited production run and works exhibited from New York to Dubai, Antoine Dufilho has become one of the most sought-after French artists by international car art collectors.
A French artist with an international reputation
Antoine Dufilho embodies the success of a self-taught French artist who has become a global benchmark. Represented in over 50 international galleries, from Place des Vosges in Paris to Soho in New York, he has won over the most discerning collectors in less than fifteen years.
His atypical background is fascinating: the grandnephew of actor Jacques Dufilho, he left medical studies because they limited his creativity, after three years in architecture. After graduating from the École d’Architecture et de Paysage de Lille, he built his own studio out of shipping containers in the Lille countryside. Paradoxically, this French authenticity, far removed from glitz and glamour, appealed to the world’s elite.
With limited editions of eight plus four artist’s proofs. This deliberate rarity maintains an exclusivity sought after by collectors. Each sculpture takes between 7 and 30 days to complete, with 60 to 300 components machined to a tenth of a millimetre.
Prestigious gallery networks are snapping him up
Antoine Dufilho’s presence in the major gallery networks testifies to his appeal.
Even more remarkable, MB&F’s M.A.D Galleries – temples of creative haute horlogerie – present his work in Geneva, Dubai and Taipei in exceptional exhibitions. This unique combination of automotive art and complication watchmaking places Dufilho in an ultra-exclusive category. In Paris, Galerie A. Leadouze (Avenue Matignon), Marciano Contemporary (Place des Vosges) and Galerie Pérahia (rue Dauphine) vie for his creations.
Institutional collectors: when cities acquire his works
A unique phenomenon in contemporary art
French municipalities commission his monumental sculptures, a rare occurrence for a contemporary artist. Le Touquet has installed two permanent works:
This institutional recognition transcends borders. His works were presented at the Paris Motor Show 2022 (where 400,000 visitors admired The Red Stream surrounded by 16 Ferraris), at the French Grand Prix with La Formula, at the Musée Bonnard and at the Hôtel de Crillon.
Collaborations that make all the difference
The collaboration with Jean Todt for the 205 T16 marks a turning point. For the first time in his career, a sculpture bears two signatures: that of the artist and that of the original designer of the legendary car. “What an honor to be able to count on the original designer of this icon to create a sculpture of it!” describes Antoine Dufilho in his catalog.
The partnership with Jean-Éric Vergne for the Formula E DS E-TENSE testifies to recognition by today’s champions. Exclusive events with McLaren Paris since 2022, exhibitions at Ferrari Charles Pozzi and at the Ferrari garage in Lyon confirm the support of the most prestigious brands.
Revolutionary techniques that appeal to enlightened amateurs
Innovation at the service of emotion
Antoine Dufilho has created unique sculptural techniques that fascinate collectors. His “Streamline” technique, developed in 2022, represents “speed and symbolizes the research carried out in wind tunnels”. The sculptures disappear when viewed from the front, creating an effect of maximum transparency that disrupts perception.
Chameleon, presented at Retromobile 2023, illustrates his bold approach: the sculpture changes color depending on the angle – blue on one side, yellow on the other, with green appearing through an optical effect. “This effect gives the sculpture a very playful side, which delighted the public”, notes the artist.
The “Solaire” technique, inaugurated with the Porsche 993, sees two sets of plates fit together without touching, “like two cooperating gears that illustrate precision engineering”. This technical complexity is particularly appealing to technophile collectors.
International media recognition
TopGear describes his creations as “literally works of art”. Classic Driver Magazine says they “capture the true essence of speed”. 4h10 refers to his “crazy car sculptures”.
This media coverage, from Forbes to L’Argus, from Hypebeast to Petrolicious, creates a ripple effect. Collectors follow these specialized and mainstream publications, amplifying demand for his limited-edition works.
Events that matter to collectors
Rétromobile since 2012, Art UP! Lille, Art Basel Miami, Luxembourg Art Fair – Antoine Dufilho’s presence at major shows attracts international collectors. The Salon Privé at Blenheim Palace, the Geneva Supercar Show and the Zoute Grand Prix in Knokke are all unmissable events.
Exhibitions scheduled for 2025 – Motorworld Mallorca, Silverstone, Forte dei Marmi, Salon Privé – confirm an upward trajectory. The “500 Ferraris against cancer” at Le Vigeant adds a charitable dimension appreciated by major collectors.
An investment in French excellence
Antoine Dufilho seduces collectors with a unique combination of technical innovation, limited production, institutional recognition and a presence in the world’s top galleries. His collaborations with Jean Todt, exhibitions in legendary venues such as the Westminster or the Promenade des Anglais, the loyalty of collectors who own up to 14 of his works. Everything points to a French artist who has become a fixture on the international scene.