French contemporary artist Richard Orlinsky | photo credit: special arrangement
Richard Orlinsky can be said to be a relative newcomer to the art world. He burst onto the scene in 2004 with a bright red resin sculpture of an alligator. Today, he has the distinction of having the highest global sales of any French contemporary artist (as of 2015).
Drawing inspiration from pop culture and everyday objects, her sculptures – particularly the animal-themed ‘Born Wild’ series – stand for freedom, strength and passion. While his pieces can be seen in the homes of the rich and famous, from actors Sharon Stone, musicians Justin Bieber and David Guetta and footballers Kylian Mbappe and Karim Benzema, Orlinsky enjoys being a people’s artist, showing his work in unusual places. performs. His ‘Wild Kong’ gorilla sculpture can be seen on the Croisette in Cannes, his crocodile in the Miami Design District, and his five meter tall bear on the ski slopes of Courchevel.
Richard Orlinsky designed a gorilla-shaped trophy for the French Grand Prix last year
, photo credit: special arrangement
“The art world was not expecting me,” he said on the sidelines of Watches & Wonders (W&W) in Geneva. “So, I got to act a little bit like Harry Potter. I had to explore and find other ways to be successful. For example, I am also involved in music, design, comedy and publishing. various collaborations [think BIC pens, Simba and a faceted blue Mickey Mouse for Disneyland Paris, etc] Give me more chances to spread my wings.” Their latest collab, the Classic Fusion Chronograph Orlinski by titanium watch brand Hublot (launched at W&W) incorporates the Frenchman’s iconic angular architecture. Edited excerpts from the Freewheeling chat.
What does ‘Bourne Wilde’ mean to you?
It suggests that we have to learn from animals. They kill for something and we kill for nothing. They follow the natural cycle of life. We need to learn from them.
You are a rule breaker when it comes to your various passions.
Yes, I have many more things to explore. I’m also a DJ, and I produce music [his first single, ‘Heartbeat’, came out in 2017 with singer Eva Simons], The pandemic was too complicated for urban musicians, so in 2021 I reached out to them for a show on TV5MONDE. [The documentary series showcased urban culture and highlighted the plight of street artists; many were given a platform to show off their work.] It was a very interesting project. I’ll also be playing a few gigs this summer.
In late April, American DJ Steve Aoki released year Zero, a vinyl-only hardcore compilation with Orlinsky. It is the latest in the ’12on12′ series, which aims to connect music and art through collectable records.
Since 2017 your sharp-edged 3D sculptural lines have found a natural association with the luxury watch brand Hublot. Whose idea was it?
I met Ricardo Guadalupe [CEO of Hublot] Seven years ago and it was soon clear that we share the same values, the same DNA. After the meeting, it was easy because they gave me a white canvas to do whatever I wanted. I was inspired by Hublot’s brand values [and how they use precious materials to create exceptional products], Being a watch collector myself, it was easy to put it all together.
Richard Orlinsky with Hublot CEO Ricardo Guadalupe
, photo credit: Laurent Xavier Moulin
Classic Fusion Chronograph Orlinsky Titanium
You have recently signed a project in Egypt.
We are doing a project for Magnum Properties in Egypt, designing the interior of their new tower, which will be one of the tallest towers in the world. We are developing our skills in hotel design – there are many other projects all over the world. We want to provide guests with a reason to choose a hotel, from little things like a special Orlinsky menu or special pieces like a room key as a souvenir.
What’s the next big thing you’re planning?
We are making a fiction series on Netflix, inspired by my life. It’s fictional because I’d like to keep it up to speed for my viewers – they should be more eager to see the next episode than learn about the real Orlinsky.
Will you be playing yourself in the series?
yes i think so. But we also have some big actors who have shown interest in this project.
The author is the Founder-Chairman of The Horologist.