Photos by Nicolas Thiery

The RAL 5015 can best be described as a monochrome nautical sculpture. Designed by artist Xavier Veilhan, completed this year in collaboration with the prestigious Frauscher shipyard – it combines art and technical prowess in an amazing boat that was unveiled for the first time at the Hôtel Marcel-Dassault in Paris the 27th of May 2010. The RAL 5015 (as the “pantone” color number Veilhan has chosen for coloring the entire boat) will be sold in an auction alongside the traditional Monte Carlo prestige sale of jewellery and vintage timepieces from Artcurial | Briest - Poulain - F. Tajan which is today the foremost Paris auction house covering all areas of the art market.

This exceptional project marks the first time for Xavier Veilhan has been invited to design a functional object in sync with his aesthetic beliefs.

The unique design corresponds perfectly to Xavier Veilhan’s approach to movement and means of transport – from the horse to more sophisticated types of craft, such as this motor-boat.

Xavier Veilhan was born in 1963, and lives and works in Paris. He emerged in the early 1990s and swiftly established himself as one of the leading artists of his generation. A string of exhibitions, showcasing every aspect of his unique plastic vocabulary, ensured his international fame. His work takes a variety of forms – from sculpture to painting via photography, installations, film and live performance. All these different approaches converge to create a world whose breadth and scope derives from a powerful relationship with history and a profound reflection on modern life.

The Frauscher shipyard in Gmuden (Austria) has an eventful history dating back over 80 years, and is renowned throughout the world for its excellent craftsmanship – and for pioneering electric boats.

The RAL 5015 will be auctioned on the 20th of July 2010 at 8pm, at the Hôtel Hermitage in Monte Carlo by auctioneer François Tajan. Her estimated sales price is €180,000-€200,000.

Andrea Sculati
+39 3463071216
andrea@andreasculati.it
www.andreasculati.it