Patrick Laroche, a Franco-Swiss artist, began his career in 1985 when he met Roger De Jonckheere, sculptor and winner of the first Prix de Rome. Under his tutelage, he learned marble carving, casting, enlargements and the use of the sculptor's pantograph machine.
In 1990, commissioned by the Réunion des Musées Nationaux, he produced a number of reproductions and enlargements for the Louvre Museum, including a reproduction of the Victory of Samothrace.
In 1997, his talent was recognized with the prestigious "Meilleur Ouvrier de France" award in the Sculptor Practitioner category, for his hand-carved marble bust.
Today, his work is exhibited in numerous galleries and museums throughout Europe, the United States, Canada, Africa and Asia.
His creations and installations have been presented at internationally renowned events such as the Milan Universal Exhibition for the French pavilion, the Foire Internationale d'Art Contemporain (FIAC), Art New York, Art Miami and L.A. Art Show. Some of his works are also part of permanent collections in Canada, Spain and Poland.
A classical early career
Early in his career, Patrick Laroche worked for the Réunion des Musées Nationaux (RMN), notably with the Musée du Louvre, for whom he designed the model of the Victoire de Samothrace.
He also created a sculpture of Jean-Jacques Rousseau for the town of Montmorency and a bust of actor Philippe Léotard for the Roman Theatre in Fréjus, France.
His interest in ancient art led him to take part in various archaeological projects. In 1991, he joined the Topkapi Palace project in Istanbul, working on monumental works of Apollo, Artemis and Leto in Claros.
In 1992, the French fashion house Chanel commissioned him to design stone models, following designer Karl Lagerfeld's visit to its workshops.
More recently, in 2014, he designed the trophy for the "Route du Rhum" international sailing competition.
A contemporary vision
Over the years, the artist's work has evolved towards a more contemporary aesthetic. In 2010, he launched his "Vegetables" collection, fusing sensuality, observation and surrealism. His colorful, oversized installations grace the streets, captivating the public eye.
Two years later, the "Vegetables" collection was integrated into iconic Parisian landmarks such as the Pont Alexandre III, Les Invalides and Place Charles-de-Gaulle, with monumental installations up to six meters high. These major works are also exhibited alongside the Foire Internationale d'Art Contemporain (FIAC), reinforcing the artist's reputation.
In 2015, the artist's creations were selected by the French government to represent the French pavilion at the Milan Universal Exhibition. His works testify to his commitment to ecological awareness for the theme "L'Alimentation de Demain" (Tomorrow's Food).
An encounter with the functional
There's a fine line between design, craftsmanship and sculpture. In 2020, Patrick Laroche decided to launch his own line of furniture. His mastery of sculptural work enables him to work with a variety of noble materials, including marble, bronze, alabaster, wood, leather and gold leaf. Each piece is designed and crafted by hand in his Parisian atelier, testifying to the artisanal excellence of his work.
By expanding his own artistic field, Patrick Laroche seeks to blur the boundaries between art and design. Behind each piece lies a sculptural aesthetic, seeking to transform functional furniture into a living work of art that leaves no one indifferent.