Chaufferie avec cheminée

Chaufferie avec cheminée is a monumental sculpture rising at Carrefour de la Libération in Vitry-sur-Seine, crafted from fiberglass-reinforced plastic, epoxy resin, and polyurethane. The structure rests on a cubic base and tapers to a swirling peak that dominates its entire composition.

Jean Dubuffet designed the model in 1970 as an original cover for a heating system at Villa Falbala, yet the project was not realized until 1996, after his passing. The long delay reflected how complex it was to translate the artistic design into its final monumental form.

The work belongs to Dubuffet's Hourloupe series and displays the characteristic white surfaces, black outlines, and areas filled with red and blue linear designs that define this art style. Visitors recognize these graphic elements immediately when viewing the piece from different angles.

The sculpture stands at Carrefour de la Libération, accessible via bus routes 180 and 172, with stops near the Mac Val museum. The roundabout location means pedestrians and cyclists can approach from several directions.

The work is among the largest polychrome Dubuffet creations in public space and demonstrates the artist's mastery of unconventional materials. This combination of epoxy resin, fiberglass, and polyurethane creates a durability that surpasses other painted works.