Richard Orlinski’s Born Wild concept explores the philosophical question about the difference between man and beast. The sculptor has chosen Wild Kong, the most human of his animals, to embody The Thinker in tribute to Rodin. Unlike the original’s overly muscular build contrasting with a thoughtful stance, the artist has played down the gorilla’s physical strength to focus on its thoughtful side.
Wild Kong is a signature Richard Orlinski piece. It declares itself invincible with its open mouth and fearsome teeth as it beats its chest with mighty fists. But the ferocious beast is also capable of tenderness, an allegory for the perfect man according to the artist. The piece sees the sculptor draw inspiration from an iconic film character: King Kong. Which is the most savage, man and beast? Richard Orlinski questions mankind and its innate animal nature.
It all began with a crocodile in red resin that the sculptor decided to exhibitinDeauvilleduringtheAmericanFilmFestival.TheFrenchartistisfuelledby the drive to make art for everyone and he takes the genre to unexpectedplaces. Exhibiting in unusual places and the great outdoors soon becamehissignature.FromtheCourchevelpeakstoTVsets,RichardOrlinskihas redefined contemporary art codes.
Thoughtisthefirststageinvolvedincreatingasculpture.It’sthelongestpartastheartistsetshimselfnolimitsandtotaldemand.Forhisfirstsculpture, Crocodile, Richard Orlinski spent months working on his piece’s proportions before achieving what he likes to call the «perfect croco».
The artist is represented by over 90 galleries in France and abroad butRichardOrlinskidecidedtoopenthe1stspacedevotedentirelytohisartinParisin2017:a150m2galleryat68rueduFaubourgStHonoréinthe 8tharrondissement.