Antoine Dufilho transforms Le Touquet into an open-air art gallery

Le Touquet-Paris-Plage welcomes two monumental sculptures by Antoine Dufilho. These installations confirm the town’s determination to make the resort a permanent art venue. They also mark an important milestone for this self-taught artist.

La Dolce Vita defies the waves on the seawall

Since November 21, 2024, “La Dolce Vita“has taken pride of place on Monaco’s Promenade des Princes. This reproduction of the Riva Aquarama impresses with its dimensions. It is 7 meters long and 2.4 meters wide. Its total weight is 5.5 tonnes.

Firstly, the work plays on contrasts. Corten steel evokes the mahogany of the original Riva boats. Mirror-polished stainless steel makes up the shiny base. And the 6 cm thick slats create Dufilho’s characteristic transparency. In this way, solids and voids interact to suggest movement. In particular, the rear symbolizes the boat’s drag across the water.

This work represents the artist’s third version of the Riva. Previously, Dufilho had created two smaller versions in wood and metal. For this monumental piece, he wanted to “convey the legendary elegance of the brand”. In fact, the scale is in dialogue with the immensity of the sea.

In addition, the municipality is planning a water and light show. This scenography will transform the sculpture into a night-time spectacle. Water will symbolize the sea beneath this mythical runabout. Previously, the work conquered Sainte-Maxime during the summer of 2024.

Red Racing Flower watches over Westminster

The “Red Racing Flower“dominates the entrance to the Westminster Hotel. This Ferrari 330 P4 from the 1967 Le Mans 24 Hours is 4.60 meters long. What’s more, it weighs 1.7 tons despite its apparent lightness.

First of all, the work fascinates by its complexity. It comprises 100 red-lacquered aluminum slats. Secondly, each slat follows a different angle. These plates follow the curves of the original bodywork. As a result, they open like a blooming flower. This is the origin of the name “Red Racing Flower”.

What’s more, this layout creates unique visual effects. The voids between the plates vary progressively. This creates an effect of visual acceleration. The static object comes to life as the viewer moves. Seen from the front, for example, the sculpture becomes almost transparent. Viewed from three-quarters up, however, it reveals all its power.

The history of this work reveals its success. First, the Lille Art UP! unveiled it to the public. Then, La Baule exhibited it from July to September 2020. Finally, Le Touquet acquired it for a permanent installation. From now on, it will interact with the historic architecture of the Westminster.

A revolutionary artistic philosophy

Since 2012, Antoine Dufilho has been developing a unique approach. He transforms his automotive passion into artistic innovation. His main objective remains constant: to capture movement in matter. This quest leads him to create unprecedented techniques. For example, “Streamline” evokes wind tunnel work.

What’s more, his method combines craftsmanship and engineering. He creates each piece in his unique workshop. The space comes from assembled shipping containers. What’s more, it’s located in the countryside around Lille. This location reflects his creative approach. Indeed, he constantly transforms and reinvents materials.

Moulding and welding techniques are his main tools. He has been experimenting with them for years. With them, he creates 360° effects of transparency. These effects defy our usual perception.

Kinetic art in the service of heritage

The two Le Touquet sculptures embody Dufilho’s vision. On the one hand, they pay homage to design icons. On the other, they transcend them with a contemporary approach. The Ferrari 330 P4 and the Riva Aquarama are not copied. On the contrary, the artist reinterprets them completely. He deconstructs them, then reconstructs them according to his own visual grammar.

What’s more, this approach resonates with Le Touquet’s identity. The resort is historically associated with luxury and elegance. As a result, the sculptures naturally interact with their surroundings. Dolce Vita evokes yachts on the open sea. Meanwhile, Red Racing Flower recalls the golden age of motoring in the 60s.

Today, Dufilho exhibits in nearly 60 international galleries. He also takes part in prestigious events in the automotive world. The Grand Prix de France and the Mondial de l’Auto have both welcomed him. These permanent installations in Le Touquet represent a crowning achievement. They bear witness to his artistic maturity.

Finally, the artist transforms a family passion into a universal language. His great-uncle Jacques collected Bugattis. This passion now inspires monumental works. The two sculptures are freely accessible all year round. They offer an ever-changing visual experience. Light, angle and weather constantly transform them. Dufilho’s art is never static. It is always in motion, even in the immobility of metal.

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.