The famous artist from Nice, Stéphane Bolongaro, unveiled his work “Totor” this Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at the Lycée Hôtelier de Nice. This unprecedented artistic collaboration symbolizes the institution’s openness to the world and the diversity of its educational programs.
The forecourt of the Lycée Hôtelier Jeanne & Paul Augier in Nice hosted a special event on September 25, 2024: the unveiling of the sculpture “Totor,” a work by Stéphane Bolongaro. In the presence of starred chef Alain Llorca and many guests, this event symbolizes the alliance between art, gastronomy, and education.
A Symbol of Unity for the School
It was at the initiative of Denis Ferrault, the school principal, and Christophe Moreau, deputy director of training, that this collaboration with Stéphane Bolongaro was born. “We wanted a work that brought all our programs together,” explains Denis Ferrault. The choice of “Totor,” an emblematic dog inspired by the artist’s mother’s Jack Russell, embodies this desire for openness and diversity.
“We didn’t want restricted symbols like a chef’s hat or a tray, but something universal, like the Earth, present in the work,” adds the principal. “Totor” thus becomes the totem that unites the various facets of hotel training, from cooking to hospitality, including service.
Stéphane Bolongaro: The Artist at the Heart of Creation
Stéphane Bolongaro, an artist renowned for his unique approach to contemporary art, has already collaborated with several institutions. In Nice, “Totor” is already present in multiple locations, such as Lenval or the Nice-Ville train station. After creating a children’s library in the United States and exhibiting internationally, he joins forces with the Lycée Hôtelier de Nice. “It was thanks to Christophe Moreau, who knows Stéphane Bolongaro personally, that it all started. This work fits perfectly with the spirit of this internationally oriented institution,” confides the principal.
An Artistic Project with International Reach
While the “Totor” work has already won over the people of Nice, it is set to be exported. Bolongaro plans other installations abroad, notably in Miami, where a similar sculpture will be erected in a school. This is proof that this artist from Nice, through his works, speaks a universal language that transcends borders.
When Art Inspires Dialogue
“An artwork never leaves you indifferent,” highlights Denis Ferrault. Whether loved or critiqued, the essential thing is that it creates connections, sparks exchanges, and unites the school community. The Lycée Hôtelier Jeanne & Paul Augier now has “Totor,” an artistic totem symbolizing its openness to the world.
With this inauguration, the Lycée Hôtelier not only remains a center of excellence in vocational training. It also becomes a place where art, culture, and education meet to form open and curious minds.
