La Dolce Vita: From an intimate Riva sculpture to a monumental work of art
Sculptor Antoine Dufilho has transformed his interpretation of the famous Riva Aquarama boat into a monumental sculpture exhibited in Le Touquet since December 2024. A look back at the evolution of a work that captures the essence of Italian nautical elegance, from reduced scale to monumental format.
Antoine Dufilho: architecture meets nautical sculpture
Antoine Dufilho, a graduate of the Lille School of Architecture and Landscape, has devoted himself fully to sculpture since 2012. After studying medicine, which taught him rigor and enabled him to discover human mechanics, and then training in architecture, the artist has developed a unique approach to sculpture. His passion focuses in particular on working with skeleton, which, once laid bare, reveals a succession of solids and voids, bringing lightness and dynamism to his works.
Represented in over 40 galleries and exhibiting in France and abroad, Dufilho first made a name for himself with his automotive sculptures, before extending his art to mythical boats. The Riva Aquarama, an icon of Italian nautical elegance, became one of his favorite subjects, giving rise to several interpretations whose evolution bears witness to his artistic maturity.
The 2021 version: the beginnings of a vision
The Riva sculpture of 2021 represents a key moment in Dufilho’s artistic exploration. This small-scale work presents technical and aesthetic characteristics that foreshadow the monumental version.
A dynamic composition
The alternation of the two materials creates a captivating visual dialogue in this version. The asymmetrical base plays a crucial role: it gives an impression of speed to the sculpture, which literally seems to spring from the metal, as if propelled by an invisible force.
The poetry of details
A particularly evocative element distinguishes this version: the blades extending from the stern split the surface “like stern waves”. This aquatic metaphor, integrated into the metal itself, subtly evokes the wake left by the boat in the water, creating a poetic bridge between static matter and perpetual motion.
The monumental sculpture “La Dolce Vita” (2024): the culmination of a vision
An evolution in materials
For his first monumental boat sculpture, Antoine Dufilho has made a radical transformation. The artist explains that this work “reinterprets the first two reduced-scale sculptures” he had made “in precious wood and metal”.
For this unique, monumental piece, rusted Corten steel replaces the precious wood of earlier versions. This bold choice completely transforms the aesthetic approach: the natural patina of Corten steel adds a temporal dimension to the work, as if the boat bore the traces of its imaginary voyages.
Contrast as language
The combination of rusted Corten steel and mirror-polished stainless steel creates a fascinating dialogue. This opposition between rough and shiny, oxidized and reflective, gives depth to the sculpture and reinforces its elegance. The contrast of materials enhances the shape and texture of the piece, creating a visual tension that captures the eye.
The bold lines of the runabout
The “bold, flowing” lines of the Riva runabout are magnified in this monumental version. The artist seeks to convey “the legendary elegance of the brand”, capturing the very essence of the Aquarama while giving it a contemporary dimension through the choice of industrial materials.
A prestigious exhibition route
From the Côte d’Azur…
The monumental sculpture “La Dolce Vita” was first presented in the charming town of Sainte-Maxime on the Côte d’Azur during an exhibition in the summer of 2024. This first presentation in a Mediterranean setting seemed a natural for a work inspired by an Italian boat, symbol of the dolce vita and glamour of the Riviera.
… to the Opal Coast
Since early December 2024, the work has found a new home in Le Touquet, on the Côte d’Opale in northern France. This move from the Mediterranean to the English Channel testifies to the universal scope of this creation. The installation in this prestigious seaside resort provides a new context for the work, creating an unprecedented dialogue between the Italian elegance of the Riva and the charm of the Nordic coast.
Aquarama: an inexhaustible source of inspiration
For Antoine Dufilho, the Riva Aquarama is much more than just a sculpture. It’s an icon of nautical design, a symbol of luxury and the art of living that transcends the ages. Through his various interpretations, the artist explores the many facets of this legend: the speed suggested by the flowing lines, the elegance embodied by the perfect proportions, and the timelessness of a design that continues to fascinate decades after its creation.
Dufilho’s evolution from small-scale to monumental allowed him to explore new expressive possibilities. The imposing size of “La Dolce Vita” transforms the perception of the work: what was once an object of intimate contemplation becomes a public installation, an invitation to travel and collective reverie.
A work in the public space
The installation of “La Dolce Vita” in Le Touquet marks an important step in the recognition of Antoine Dufilho’s work. A monumental sculpture in the public space becomes a meeting point between contemporary art and the daily lives of residents and visitors. It transforms the urban environment, creating a new visual and cultural landmark.
This permanent presence enables a continuous dialogue between the work and its public. Unlike a temporary exhibition in a gallery, the sculpture lives to the rhythm of the seasons, the changing lights and the passing of walkers. It becomes an integral part of the city’s cultural landscape, testifying to art’s ability to transcend the boundaries between past and present, between traditional Italian craftsmanship and contemporary French creation.
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.