“I believe deeply in the power of art, often, people don’t have the confidence to push the door of a gallery or museum, so I make the museum come to them,” —Richard Orlinski
French sculptor and pop-artist, Richard Orlinski, has held the title of the best-selling French contemporary artist globally since 2015.
Born in 1966, the prominent contemporary French artist began his artistic journey in 2004, when he created his first notable work, a vibrant red resin crocodile. The crocodile, titled "Born Wilde," quickly became an iconic piece within the sculptor's diverse collection.
Throughout his art, Orlinski draws inspiration from pop culture, everyday objects, and popular themes, translating them into electrifying sculptures often featuring animals—symbols of freedom, power, and passion. His artworks are characterized by pop colors and a faceted style, making them instantly recognizable and appreciated worldwide.
Crocodiles, panthers, wolves, and bears are recurring motifs in Orlinski's artistic oeuvre, including clothing such as jeans, leather jackets and stiletto heels (elements of Pop Art). Richard Orlinski's style is recognizable by visualization of dynamic movement that animates each of his works.
Quickly achieving international success, the works of Richard Orlinski are collected by many collectors such as celebrities Sharon Stone, Paul McCartney, Harrison Ford, Meryl Streep, Andy Garcia, Richard Branson, David Guetta, Tony Parker, and Omar Sy.
A distinctive aspect of Orlinski's approach is exhibiting his large-scale sculptures in unconventional locations and outdoor settings. Motivated by a commitment to democratize art and make it accessible to a broader audience, Orlinski explores various means of expression without limiting himself to specific boundaries. Many of his monumental works appear on the streets of cities such as Paris, Venice and Miami.
In recognition of his contributions to the arts, Orlinski was honored as an Officer for the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French Minister of Culture Roselyne Bachelot-Narquin in 2021. With nearly 3 million followers on Instagram, the artist has cultivated a highly engaged community, serving as a profound source of inspiration for his work. Orlinski's mission is to break down barriers to art appreciation, bringing the museum experience directly to people who might not otherwise engage with galleries or museums.