The art of creating myths: A closer look at Ducati and Lamborghini’s special collaboration with artist Paolo Troilo

Paolo Troilo’s art is characterised by a certain expressive hyperrealism. His contorted bodies are almost suspended in motion, indicating a rawness associated with the human anatomy. More remarkable is the fact that each large-scale image is rendered only by hand. It’s a unique technique the self-taught painter employs that has solidified his place in the contemporary Italian art world.

The acclaimed artist was tapped by Ducati and Lamborghini earlier this year in a collaboration for the ages as part of the 2024 edition of Arte Fiera. In the past, Ducati has also been a partner for various modern and contemporary art fairs in Bologna. For instance, it once supported ‘Percorso,’ which connected galleries through the common theme of drawing.

In ‘The Art of Creating Myths’, Ducati, Lamborghini and Troilo debuted ‘Centauro.’ This motorcycle bodywork concept was reportedly two years in the making, conceived at around the same time as the world première of the Ducati Streetfighter V4 Lamborghini. ‘Centauro’ was meant as a follow-up to ‘Minotauro’, a Lamborghini Huracán EVO reinterpreted by the artist in 2021.

It can be recalled that the Ducati Streetfighter V4 Lamborghini was a landmark motorcycle that only had 630 examples, best known for its brilliant livery in Citrea Green and Dac Orange. At the time, Ducati and Automobili Lamborghini communicated that they ought to do an even more exclusive series, called the Speciale Clienti. This would eventually give life to the idea of the ‘Centauro.’

Troilo’s vision for ‘Centauro’ shines through in the figurative representation of the arms of a man bent in acceleration, emerging from two side of the tank. In his venture into the abstract geometric decomposition of the subject, the artist finds himself combining myth and reality in the remaining parts of the motorcycle.

It is said to embody the strength and volume of the Streetfighter V4. Boundlessness seemed to be the main goal. Both the ‘Centauro’ and ‘Minotauro’ were put on display for the public to see at the famed Galleria Cavour. Suffice it to say, the exhibition was quite the crowd pleaser.

‘Centauro’ is another project that shows how dynamic the relationship between the art world and automobile industry should be. Each, after all, can elevate each other, given the proper tools, and of course, given the right makers. Ducati, Lamborghini and Troilo authored masterpieces that just so happens to be powerful companions on the road.

For more information, visit Automobili Lamborghini.

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