M.A.D.Gallery Dubai is proud to present “Sequential”, the first solo exhibition in the Middle East by celebrated French artist Antoine Dufilho. A captivating and avant-garde exhibit of twelve kinetic masterpieces, out of which ten pay homage to the seductive lines and precision engineering of coveted automobiles, Sequential offers art lovers the chance to discover the symmetry and captivating curves of automotive art. Two additional independent art works will also be on display that are sure to amaze and enthrall audiences: a reimagined interpretation of the Burj Khalifa, in all its awe inspiring glory and the Kinetic Green Cube, an example of quintessential kinetic art, whereby the viewer creates the movement of the cube by walking around the sculpture.

A signature feature in Antoine Dufilho’s sculptures are the optical illusions that he creates by rotating the base of the art works, whereby it feels as though the sculptures are in motion and moving, leaving the viewer surprised and transfixed. All twelve sculptures are available as limited editions of twelve pieces worldwide (eight pieces and four artistic proofs), except for the limited edition of one piece. Sequential will primarily showcase scaled down artistic interpretations of iconic automobiles spanning the Porsche 356, Porsche 911, Ford GT 40, Jaguar Type E, Lamborghini Aventador and for first time ever, four models of two car pairs, consisting of Bugatti and Ferrari.

The exhibition took over twelve months to complete as Antoine Dufilho incorporated a new method called “anodization” which effectively colors metal while retaining the metallic appearance of the material. Moreover, the limited edition artworks are created by meticulously hand crafting sculpting rods and plates into successive layers and materializing the vehicle into a modern automotive framework, thereby revealing the contour of the car, and creating the illusion of movement as viewers walk past the art works. Antoine Dufilho’s educational background in architecture provides a conceptual foundation in which his innovative artworks are established, allowing him to create modern sculptures that are unique and alluring at the same time.

The twelve art works include five sculptures created specifically for Dubai, including the iconic Burj Khalifa and four models (of two pair car sculptures) of ’The Bugatti Atlantic 1936 & Bugatti La Voiture Noire 2019’ and ‘The Ferrari F40 1987 & La Ferrari 2013’. The details of the never-before-shown sculptures are as follows:

Burj Khalifa, (limited edition 1/8):

Dimensions: D: 49.5cm x H: 165cm

The Burj Khalifa is not only one of the most beautiful skyscrapers in the world, but also a towering symbol of the progressive spirit of the UAE and its ability to achieve the impossible. Inspired by the tremendous achievements of the UAE, the sculpture of the Burj Khalifa has been reimagined by Dufilho in his signature style with bright stainless steel plates spaced in voids to represent multiple floors, interrupted by groups of matte stainless steel plates that give a holographic illusion and dynamic sensation, when the observer walks around it. Meticulously and lovingly handcrafted to create a showstopping sculpture, the artwork is just as ambitious, grand and awe-inspiring as the original.

‘The Bugatti Atlantic 1936 & Bugatti La Voiture Noire 2019’ and ‘The Ferrari F40 1987 & La Ferrari 2013’ (4 limited editions, each numbered 1/8):

The four new models juxtapose the old automotive models with the new automobiles, and what particularly sets these models apart from Dufilho’s usual sculptures, is that they are not handcrafted in stainless steel, but rather with anodized aluminum, which colors the metal while retaining the metallic appearance of the material.

Dimensions:

The Bugatti Atlantic 1936 dimensions: L: 80cm x W: 36cm x H: 22cm
Bugatti La Voiture Noire 2019 dimensions: L: 80cm x W: 36cm x H: 19cm
The Ferrari F40 1987 dimensions: L: 80cm x W: 36cm x H: 19cm
La Ferrari 2013 dimensions: L: 80cm x W: 36cm x H: 18.5cm

Six additional masterpieces complete the automotive theme and are as follows:

Mercedes W196 ST 9, (limited edition 2/8):

Dimensions: L: 76cm x W: 33cm x H: 15cm

A Formula One (F1) racing car produced by Mercedes-Benz for the 1954 and 1955 F1 seasons, the Mercedes-Benz W196 has been reimagined with the sculpture’s skeleton body as a pictorial interpretation of the “pigment removal.” The total absence of the body alleviates the model and retains its overall morphology, while complicating the vision into a mesh and offering a different view depending on its position.

Porsche 356, (limited edition 4/8):

Dimensions: L: 80cm x W: 36cm x H: 21cm

This lightweight sports car was Porsche’s first production automobile and has been reimagined by Dufilho in such a way that it retains its legendary status, yet seems more dynamic. Effectively presenting the artwork with longitudinal transparency gives the illusion of making the interior disappear, in favor of the elegant wings of the original automobile. The wings are represented by a superposition of layers of stainless steel and take the spirit of ‘Damascus steel’, complicating the curves of this legendary Porsche. While most sculptures take an average of two weeks to complete, the Porsche 356 required considerably more time and commitment, taking six weeks to complete.

Porsche 911, (limited edition 5/8):

Dimensions: L: 76cm x W: 32cm x H: 19.5cm

The iconic 911 and identity of the Porsche brand, since 1963 has been reinterpreted to lighten the model while maintaining the overall morphology of the automobile, making it more complex to view with a multitude of curves. Reminiscent of the mechanical art of an engine or an automobile grille, the sculpture offers a different perception of the model, depending on the vantage point.

Ford GT 40, (limited edition 7/8):

Dimensions: L: 75cm x W: 35cm x H: 16cm

The quintessential high-performance endurance racing car, the Ford GT 40 went down in history as the car that broke Ferrari’s winning streak at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Reimagined with a stainless steel base and polished solid aluminum wheels, the Ford GT 40 comes alive and presents the illusion of movement, when the viewer looks at it from different angles.

Jaguar Type E, (unique piece 1/1):

Dimensions: L: 78.5cm x W: 33cm x H: 24cm

Described as ‘the most beautiful car ever made’ by Enzo Ferrari, the Jaguar E type epitomized 1960’s glamour and excitement and Dufilho has beautifully reimagined the dynamic curves of this iconic automobile. The color affixed to the stainless steel rods creates a holographic effect while offering transparency and this representation modifies how we see the model, perceived as a convertible or coupé according to where the viewer stands.

Lamborghini Aventador, (limited edition 1/8):

Dimensions: L: 80cm x W: 36cm x H: 14cm

Signifying a departure from his usual style, this time the kinetic artwork is no longer materialized by the color on the stems, but rather through 1,800 stainless steel beads suspended on bronze rods, all cut to different heights. The bronze rods merge with the shiny base giving an impression of levitation which, thanks to their attractive reflection, seem to sparkle as if they were bright. Moreover, the bronze rods create a holographic effect that is sure to leave the onlooker transfixed.

A departure from the automotive theme but an example of kinetic art at its best, the Kinetic Green Cube is a tour de force within the realm of mechanical art:

Kinetic Green Cube, (limited edition 4/8):

Dimensions: D:25cm x H:34cm

The Kinetic Green Cube is reflective of the quintessential nature of kinetic art whereby the movement can be produced by the wind, the sun, a motor or even the viewer. The viewer can create the movement of the Kinetic Green cube by coming around the sculpture to animate the cube, while the color affixed to the stainless steel rods creates a holographic effect. Moreover, since the sculpture is placed on a rotating base equipped with an adjustable backlight system, which brings the sculpture to life, it allows for a different perspective, depending on the vantage point.

Sequential exhibition will be on display at the M.A.D.Gallery, The Dubai Mall from 11 March 2020 and for further information please visit www.madgallery.ae