Fiche d'artisteArtist file


The sculptor and painter Jean Tinguely is known for his massive mobile machines that opposes the cult of functionalism of industry. Working with reclaimed and recycled materials, he animates his inventions by referring to the industrial machinery of the 20th century without wanting – he was not an anarchist for nothing – to integrate them into the economic production chains. In November 1970, Tinguely participated in a festival in Milan, organized on the occasion of the tenth a [...]

The sculptor and painter Jean Tinguely is known for his massive mobile machines that opposes the cult of functionalism of industry. Working with reclaimed and recycled materials, he animates his inventions by referring to the industrial machinery of the 20th century without wanting – he was not an anarchist for nothing – to integrate them into the economic production chains. In November 1970, Tinguely participated in a festival in Milan, organized on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the group of artists “Nouveaux Réalistes”. His contribution materialized in La Vittoria: a gigantic golden penis installed in front of the Milan Dome, then destroyed in a spectacular way by the fireworks. Thus, he erected a symbol of phallic power that remained fragile and reversible at the same time. This work is in line with his creations of self-destructing works such as “Homage to New York” ten years earlier, the first work of art of this type.

Related content