ToccO - Free Ride, 2026

ZuZ Frederic Zuzek  

Frederic Zuzek, who signs his work ZuZ, is an emerging artist who has settled in southwestern France on the Arcachon Bay. His unique artistic journey began following a challenge from his children. What could have been just a fleeting pastime quickly transformed into a burning passion, a true addiction to creative expression. ZuZ has chosen to embrace his artistic practice instinctively, letting his emotions and intuition guide his actions and exploring the manipulation of materials, textures, and color blends. By initially incorporating crushed oyster shells into his compositions, he adds an organic and symbolic dimension to his works. At the same time, he experiments with resin to create original visual effects.

ZuZ quickly expanded his artistic exploration by testing his techniques on new media. In particular, he turned to 225-liter barrels, masterfully merging art and wine. Two of these are on display at the Cité Mondiale du Vin in Bordeaux.

Influenced by several trips to Asia, 2024 marked a turning point in his career with the desire for a new artistic direction and the birth of his iconic character: ToccO

ToccO breaks the rules and especially the distance between the viewer and the work to make it even more accessible, particularly through touch.

In a universe where the strange and mysterious mingle with the dazzling and the unexpected, a unique being of the kind emerges: ToccO, his colorful character.

Tocco is much more than a creature; he embodies a fascinating fusion between man and animal, between the terrestrial and the extraterrestrial. Tocco is a fascinating and intriguing hybrid.

ToccO is an observer of our world. He listens, he watches with his hypnotic eyes capable of examining souls and generating a whirlwind of emotions in those who meet his gaze.

"Thanks to its name, ToccO, I also wanted to bring a third meaning and break the distance between the viewer and the work to make it even more accessible.

Indeed, in Italian, "tocco" means "to touch". It can also refer to a small piece or fragment of something, or even a touch, as in the context of painting (for example, "un tocco di colore" means "a touch of color").

If your heart tells you to, you have the right to approach and touch ToccO gently."

ToccO calls to you from afar, ready, he will surprise you because each work representing ToccO presents hidden details, inviting meticulous exploration. One thing remains constant: his "golden tooth" as his signature.