When the automobile becomes sculpture: the mechanical world of Antoine Dufilho

The automobile transcends its primary function to become a work of art. Antoine Dufilho embodies this radical transformation. Since 2012, this self-taught artist has been revolutionizing contemporary sculpture by capturing the essence of speed in metal. At the same time, his monumental creations redefine our perception of automotive heritage.

From human mechanics to automotive mechanics

Antoine Dufilho followed an atypical career path. First, he studied medicine for three years. This training revealed to him human mechanics and the importance of bone structure. However, he felt the need to express his boundless creativity. So he turned to architecture.

A graduate of the Lille School of Architecture and Landscape, he is developing a new approach to sculpture. Indeed, his work on architectural frameworks directly inspires his future creations. Exposed structures reveal a succession of solids and voids. This vision brings lightness and dynamism to his work.

A passion for cars runs through his veins. His great-uncle Jacques collected Bugattis. Naturally, Antoine inherited this fascination. So, in 2011, he began his first automotive sculpture: a Bugatti Type 35. What’s more, he built his own workshop out of shipping containers in the countryside around Lille. This unique space becomes his laboratory for experimentation.

Revolutionary techniques: capturing speed in metal

Dufilho has been developing new techniques since 2012. First, the “Streamline” revolutionizes the sculptural approach. This longitudinal cut directly evokes wind tunnel work. The blades cross the sculpture lengthwise. As a result, the work seems to disappear when viewed from the front. The Ferrari 250 GTO and McLaren Speedtail are perfect examples of this technique.

Then the “Solaire” technique appeared with the Porsche 993. Two sets of plates fit together without touching. What’s more, they evoke gears in motion. This arrangement creates a visible precision mechanism. The artist describes this innovation as a new stage in his search for movement.

Stainless steel tubes offer a different approach. The Porsche 930 and Mercedes 300 SL use this technique. The tubes form an artistic honeycomb. Viewed from the front, the car disappears into this complex structure. Nevertheless, the overall morphology remains recognizable from other angles.

Asymmetry is its latest innovation. The 2023 Porsche 356 Asymmetrical inaugurates this concept. Our brain perceives imbalance and imagines movement. As a result, a static object appears to rise or fall. This kinetic illusion takes the search for movement even further.

Ultimately, all these techniques share a common goal. They create 360-degree transparency. Voids and solids are in constant dialogue. The viewer obtains a different vision depending on his or her vantage point.

Icons reinvented: from Bugatti to Ferrari

The Bugatti collection takes center stage. The 2011 Type 35 launches the sculptor’s career. Next, the 2012 Atlantic introduces exposed structures. The Veyron becomes monumental with “Velocity”. For the centenary of the Type 35, “Agility” presents a new organic style. Each Bugatti explores new technical possibilities.

Ferrari inspires multiple interpretations. The 250 GTO is available in three different versions. First, a classic plate version. Then, “Red Stream” in Streamline for the Mondial de l’Auto 2022. And finally, a wall-mounted version with mirror plate. The SP3 pays homage to the prototypes of the 60s. The Dino 246 retains its sleek berlinette look. The 599 GTB captures raw Italian power.

Porsche generates infinite creativity. The 356 evolves from 2017 to the asymmetrical version of 2023. The 930 uses stainless steel tubes. The 992 adopts the Streamline treatment. The Carrera GT transforms plates into timeless beauty. The C4S inaugurates a bold design in blade positioning. The 901 features progressive asymmetrical plate placement.

Exclusives reveal the breadth of talent. The McLaren Speedtail changes color according to the lighting. The orange Lamborghini Miura goes back to the 70s. The Mercedes W196 becomes a pure structure without bodywork. The Aston Martin DB5 evokes James Bond in polished metal.

Monumental works: art meets public space

La Red Racing Flower marks a turning point. This Ferrari 330 P4 measures 4.60 meters by 1.93 meters. Despite its apparent lightness, it weighs 1.7 tons. What’s more, its 100 red aluminum slats open like a flower. First exhibited at Lille Art UP! La Baule welcomed it in 2020. Finally, Le Touquet installs it in front of the Westminster.

Visit Formula One pays homage to the 90s. The plates alternate black paint and reflections. The perforated base increases the visual impact. Massive fins complete the spectacular ensemble. In 2022, this work was awarded the ultimate honor. It takes pride of place on the grounds of the French Grand Prix.

Gunmetal Symphony impresses with its proportions. This Porsche 911 is 4.30 metres long. It is 1.80 metres wide and 1.40 metres high. The stainless steel tubes create unique visual effects. Viewed from the front, an artistic honeycomb appears. The 2021 edition of Art UP! will reveal this creation to the public.

Prestigious collaborations that make history

Jean Todt marks a historic first. The 205 T16 bears two signatures. The original creator plays an active role in the design. Todt contributes his unique technical expertise. The collaboration begins in 2020. The result is an exceptional work celebrating French rallying.

Jean-Éric Vergne inspires Formula E. The DS E-TENSE merges art and technology. This sculpture celebrates sustainable mobility. Its bold lines evoke electric power. At the same time, it symbolizes the ecological commitment of modern motorsport.

Prestigious events welcome Dufilho. The Mondial de l’Auto exhibits his red GTO. Over 400,000 visitors admire it surrounded by 16 authentic Ferraris. Rétromobile 2023 presents his new creations. The Grand Prix de France integrates his art into the heart of the competition.

Institutions recognize his talent. More than 40 international galleries represent him. Cities commission his monumental works. Collectors snatch up his creations. Since 2022, McLaren Paris has been presenting his works at exclusive events.

Antoine Dufilho transforms the way we look at the automobile. His revolutionary techniques create a unique artistic language. Each sculpture captures the essence of movement in motionless metal. In him, kinetic automotive art finds its contemporary master. Monumental works installed in public spaces bear witness to this artistic revolution. The automobile finally becomes sculpture, transcending its function to reach the eternity of art.

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.