His sculptures, conceived around the "Born Wild" concept, reflect a profound reflection on animal instinct and human nature, in a resolutely modern style that never yields to trash, extravagance or the ephemeral. Richard Orlinski is an eclectic artist, a lover of art in all its forms. The sculptor challenges conventional wisdom and is not afraid to embrace new forms of artistic expression. Driven by a global and universal vision, he is keen to explore different fields such as sculpture, design, music, live performance...
Some of his works are worth millions of euros, and stars like Sharon Stone, one of his clients, are crazy about them. But thanks to a partnership with Eurodisney, anyone can buy an Orlinski statue, like the Mickey magician sold for less than 49 euros (in dollars).
Career
In 2005, Richard Orlinski decided to "devote himself fully to art". Today, he is surrounded by over 200 collaborators! The story began with a red resin crocodile he chose to exhibit in Deauville at the "American Film Festival". From the summits of Courchevel to television screens, Orlinski takes art where it's never been before, even if it means breaking the rules! Exhibiting his art in "unusual, open-air locations" quickly became his trademark. To celebrate Mickey's ninetieth birthday, the Disney studio chose him to reinterpret "Sorcerer's Apprentice Mickey".
Talking about your career, you've said that you've taken some circuitous routes to success?
Yes, because I wasn't accepted as I was, I had no choice. It's pretty complicated to get off the beaten track, you have to break codes out of obligation at first. Along the way, I had to do a lot of work, get involved and face a lot of setbacks, but I understood that all that was necessary for my project to mature and for me to be ready too. I lost a lot of time to get to this point.
You have a very distinctive style. How do you define it?
I'm looking for an immediate reading and emotion of the work. You don't have to worry about understanding a work. In fact, what I like is for my sculptures to appeal first and foremost to children. Children are cash; they're the least corrupt audience there is. You're the best-selling French artist in the world, but you're not accepted in the art world? If I don't get into the big art world, it doesn't matter. If five people out of a hundred don't like my work, that's fine. I'd rather please as many people as possible than work for an elite. Are your sculptures aimed at everyone, with affordable sculptures like Mickey the magician? Yes, thanks to our partnership with Disneyland Paris, anyone can buy an Orlinski statue. It's a real achievement. For me, it's a consecration. The Mickey magician, for example, sells for 49 euros.
You are the best-selling French artist in the world but you stay away from the art world?
If I am not admitted to the great art world, it doesn\'t matter. If five out of every 100 people do not adhere to my work, it does not matter. I would rather please as many people as possible than work for an elite.
Your sculptures are for everyone with affordable sculptures, like the magician Mickey?
Yes, thanks to the partnership with Disneyland Paris everyone can buy a statue of Orlinski. It is an outcome. For me it is a consecration. The Mickey Wizard, for example, is sold for 49 euros.
Richard, can you describe yourself?
I'm an atypical person who breaks codes. For me, art is something universal and we can build bridges between all art forms. I'm all for sharing and teamwork, values that aren't necessarily in vogue today. I like freedom, being able to do what I want and having the means to do it. It's extremely complicated to get! I make do with very simple things, and I do a lot of work in children's hospitals, organizing workshops. These exchanges with these little ones are wonderful, and it's better than any gift for me.
What did you want to do as a child?
As a child, I wanted to be a vet, to look after animals, but I also had artistic desires. Today, I sculpt crocodiles and King Kongs in precious materials and pop colors! But I was also drawn to cinema and music.
Can you describe your world and where you live?
In my apartment, inspired by the Haussmann style, I've combined classicism and modernity. My interior is above all an experimental living space for my creations. In addition to sunlight, I need artificial light: the ceiling is a starry sky of small spotlights with white lights that capture the color of the object. I'm bucking the current trend for subdued lighting!
Copyright photo: Richard Orlinski
