Richard Orlinskithe most sought-after contemporary French artist in the world, arrives in Viareggio with four monumental works: White Resin Walking Bear, Mick Blue Wild Kong, Black Resin Jeans e Sar Yellow Man. An exhibition project desired by the Del Ghingaro Administration, organized thanks to the collaboration of the Deodato Arte gallery.
The works, all of large dimensions, dai 2 metri del White Resin Walking Bear ai 5 del Sar Yellow Man, each took their place along the Viareggio Promenade and in the Garden of Freedom.
«”People are often too intimidated to visit galleries and museums, so I bring the museum to them”: these are the words of the world-famous artist, who chose our city to exhibit in the open air – declares the Councilor for Culture Sandra Mei – and this is the concept that we have always tried to express by promoting culture in every place even outside the most ‘canonical’ ones. Throughout the summer and beyond, we will be able to admire four well-known masterpieces and a world-famous artist. We are proud to host such a prestigious installation which enriches the Promenade, already so beautiful in itself, and which today with Orlinski becomes even more so.”
Detail of Works
White Resin Walking Bear 300CM (Passeggiata)
With its mouth open and ears pricked, Richard Orlinski’s moving bear appears to advance fluidly and confidently. The animal’s curves contrast with its angular faces.
Mick Blue Wild Kong 230CM (Walk)
A distinctive work by Richard Orlinski. Kong declares himself invincible with his mouth wide open and teeth threatening, while he pounds his chest with his powerful fists. However, the ferocious beast is also capable of tenderness. The work draws inspiration from the iconic film character, King Kong. Who is wilder, man or beast? Richard Orlinski questions humanity and its innate animal nature.
Black Resin Jeans 300CM (Garden of Liberty)
Symbol of 1960s America, jeans are now legends in their own right and an international fashion must. Synonymous with freedom, youth and provocation, an object of fantasy, these unbuttoned trousers open onto a bodiless void.
Sar Yellow Man n°2 500CM (Garden of Freedom)
What if man could erase his dark thoughts and bad memories, keeping only the good things in life? Richard Orlinski has captured this concept, sculpting a work that can blossom. The metal carves the void into harmonious, beautiful and elegant shapes. The artist elevates the sculpture of man by highlighting his inner character.
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Biography and poetics
Born in 1966, Richard Orlinski is a Parisian sculptor famous for his representations of animals and symbols of mass culture in Pop and Street Art style. After obtaining numerous degrees from prestigious universities such as the University Paris 1 and the Institut de Management International de Paris, Orlinski began working, dedicating himself to art for fun.
In the early 2000s he decided to leave his job to dedicate himself completely to art, presenting his first work to the public in 2004, a sculpture of a crocodile in red resin entitled Born Wild©.
From this moment on, the artist decides to explore the impulses of violence, convinced that art is the means to calm the instincts of man. This is how the crocodile created by Richard Orlinski becomes an iconic work of his artistic production. Subsequently, international art galleries begin to take an interest in his work and Orlinski exhibits in prestigious places, such as Aspen in the United States and at the Fiac in Paris.
Orlinski also began a series of collaborations: among the most important were those with the chocolatier Jean-Paul Hévin, the chef Frédéric Anton, the goldsmith Christofle, the fashion brand The Kooples and the Disneyland Paris amusement park. For the latter he created a sculpture of Mickey Mouse as a sorcerer’s apprentice, taking up the protagonist character from the animated film Fantasia, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the park.
In 2014 a sculpture by Richard Orlinski was sold for 15 million euros.
His sculptures and art are appreciated by the general public, so much so that his works are part of the collections of celebrities such as Sharon Stone, Paul McCartney, Harrison Ford, Meryl Streep, Andy Garcia, Richard Branson, David Guetta, Tony Parker and Omar Sy.
In addition to being a world-renowned sculptor, Richard Orlinski is also a painter, musician and comedian, who has always been interested in all forms of art, so much so that he was appointed Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters by the French Minister of Culture Roselyne Bachelot-Narquin in 2021.
The artist exhibited his monumental works on the streets of many cities around the world, including Paris, Venice and Miami on the legendary Lincoln Road, where he took over from Botero.
With a great interest in culture and sports, Richard Orlinski participates in all major events in these fields around the world.
The artist has also exhibited at the Venice Biennale, at the 2022 Football World Cup in Doha, at Art Basel in Miami, at the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Belgium in 2023 and in many other events and places, where His works have left a deep impression on people of all generations.
The artist is inspired by pop culture, everyday objects and the latest trends. Richard Orlinski chose to depict animals in his works because, in his eyes, they capture a sense of freedom, power and passion. This has led to electrifying works of art, with pop colors and multifaceted styles that would conquer the world. An example is certainly the subject of Wild Kong that expresses the Born Wild concept that the artist is researching through the use of animals in his sculptures. In this way he explores the philosophical question of the difference between man and beast.
Driven by the desire to bring art to the masses by making it more accessible and approachable, Richard Orlinski is fascinated by all forms of expression and his art knows no boundaries.
In his quest to bring art to places where it is least expected and to make it accessible to all, Richard Orlinski places great importance on displaying his works outdoors, free of charge, as part of the exhibitions he organizes in cities around the world .
CREDITS
DEODATE ART
Deodato Arte is a brand that includes art galleries with locations in Milan, Rome, Porto Cervo, Chia, Pietrasanta, Courmayeur, Padua and St. Moritz. Since 2010 it has offered internationally renowned modern and contemporary artists such as Andy Warhol, Damien Hirst, Richard Orlinski and Banksy with a strong focus on Pop, Street and Urban culture, to which monographic and collective exhibitions have been dedicated with artists such as Romero Britto, David LaChapelle, Mr. Brainwash. Deodato Arte, in addition to following internal exhibitions and projects, creates synergies with museums, dynamic brands and participates in national and international fairs. The Deodato Arte gallery also operates in a multimedia way through the web: www.deodato.com, an exclusive e-commerce for collectors and constantly updated social networks.
