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The Born Wild collection brings together the animal sculptures Richard Orlinski has created since 2004 around a single concept: transforming the raw power of the animal world into faceted, colourful sculptures polished like precious stones. Crocodiles, gorillas, panthers, bears and dolphins each embody a different primal instinct that the artist seeks to elevate into a positive emotion. Among them, Wild Kong, his rearing gorilla, has become the collection’s most recognisable icon.
Born Wild began in 2004, when Richard Orlinski unveiled his very first sculpture: a red resin crocodile. From this inaugural work, the concept was firmly established and has remained unchanged ever since. Drawing inspiration from the animal kingdom, Orlinski explores humanity’s untamed instincts before transforming them into something refined and universally accessible through sculpture.
Over the past two decades, the series has expanded to include dozens of animal subjects, produced in a wide variety of materials including resin, aluminium, marble, stone and bronze. The sculptures are available in numerous sizes and editions, ranging from small collectible works to monumental public installations, notably in Paris, where the artist has his own gallery. Throughout the series, one defining feature remains constant: instantly recognisable animal silhouettes reimagined through geometric facets, as though carved from crystal.
Richard Orlinski, Born Wild Crocodile, 2006 – Resin available on Artsper.com.
The gorilla is one of the defining figures of the Born Wild collection, and Orlinski has created several distinct interpretations of it. The best known, Wild Kong, draws inspiration from the fictional character King Kong. Standing upright with its mouth open in a fierce roar, exposed fangs and clenched fists beating its chest, the sculpture embodies raw, untamed strength. This powerful posture contrasts deliberately with the flawless, polished finish, creating a dialogue between primal aggression and refined craftsmanship. Through this duality, Orlinski explores the boundary between animal instinct and modern humanity.
Alongside Wild Kong, Orlinski has developed other interpretations, including Thinker Kong, whose contemplative pose presents a more introspective and humanised vision of the gorilla. Other themed variations combine Wild Kong’s powerful stance with additional symbols, such as a faceted heart held triumphantly above its head.
Wild Kong is available in an exceptionally broad range of materials and finishes. These include glossy resin in white, yellow and Orlinski red; metallic finishes such as Galaktik Blue, Mick Blue, Candy Green and Flame Red; matte resin; one-of-a-kind Crystal Full Fractal resin editions in black, blue, amber and red; crackled chrome finishes in gold, green, khaki, blue, red, violet and pink; as well as stainless steel, bronze and hand-painted “tag” resin editions inspired by street art. The sculpture is also produced in numerous sizes, from desktop editions measuring around 30 centimetres to monumental versions standing over two metres tall.
Richard Orlinski, Wild Kong, Rouge, 2025 – Resin available on Artsper.com.
The crocodile that launched Born Wild in 2004 was soon joined by other animal figures that have become equally emblematic of Orlinski’s work. Lions and panthers embody feline power and prestige, often produced in the same vivid colours and glossy finishes as Wild Kong. Bears, whether standing proudly or shown in calmer poses, explore the same tension between strength and gentleness. Dolphins and eagles introduce aquatic and aerial themes to the collection, while the panda adds a more playful dimension.
Every sculpture shares Orlinski’s unmistakable visual language: faceted geometric forms, mirror-like polished surfaces that capture light, and bold colours that draw equally from Pop Art and contemporary popular culture. Depending on the edition, works are available as numbered limited editions or unique pieces, particularly for elaborate finishes such as crackled chrome or crystal resin. Each sculpture is accompanied by detailed technical information, including dimensions and edition details.
Richard Orlinski, Ours, 2025 – Resin available on Artsper.com.
Orlinski’s recurring use of animals reflects his belief that each species represents a different aspect of humanity’s instinctive nature. The crocodile symbolises hidden danger, the gorilla embodies strength and anger, while the dolphin and eagle evoke freedom. Rather than celebrating these primal impulses, the artist reshapes them through geometry. His signature faceting technique has evolved significantly over the years, progressing from sharply angled early resin sculptures to increasingly sophisticated crystal finishes and textured crackled chrome surfaces that evoke natural minerals. This geometric treatment is more than a stylistic choice. It expresses the central idea behind Born Wild: instinct disciplined by form, where raw animal power is refined, polished and almost crystallised without losing its original intensity. The entire collection is built upon this dialogue between untamed nature and sculptural perfection.
Colour plays an equally important symbolic role. Red represents passion and vitality, while black and chrome evoke luxury and sophistication. Unexpected colours such as Candy Green and pink reinforce the playful, pop-inspired identity that Orlinski has embraced throughout his career. In 2024, several works from the Born Wild collection were showcased at an exhibition at the Beverly Wilshire, a Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills, further confirming the international recognition of a body of work that has already been widely exhibited across France and abroad.
Richard Orlinksi, Howling Wolf, 2012 – Resin available on Artsper.com.
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