A renowned Hungarian artist has given back to the French town that welcomed him four decades ago by donating a unique sculpture to enhance its public art collection. László Tibay, 63, officially unveiled his statue "Toto" in Lagny-sur-Marne on Saturday, September 20, 2025, as a heartfelt gesture of gratitude to the community that helped him build a new life in France.
The white dog sculpture, featuring childlike characteristics, now stands prominently in Haslach Park at the intersection of the town's nursery, covered market, and a promenade used daily by dozens of residents. Despite steady rain during the ceremony, local officials and residents gathered to welcome this newest addition to their historic town center.
"I arrived more than forty years ago in Lagny, and I was welcomed very generously. This town and its population brought me security, comfort, and a future," Tibay declared during the unveiling ceremony. The artist, who settled in Seine-et-Marne in 1982 after leaving his native Hungary, felt compelled to thank the community that opened its arms to him by offering an original statue of Toto, an emblematic work from his artistic collection.
"With this statue, I wanted to thank the city for helping me, welcoming me, and allowing me to start a family here," explained Tibay. The name "Toto" holds special significance for the artist, as it references his son Victor's nickname. The internationally recognized artist donated the sculpture free of charge when the mayor discussed plans for an artistic walking tour that would feature about ten artworks throughout the city.
Crafted from cement, steel, and acrylic paint in Tibay's riverside studio along the Marne, the sculpture adds a modern touch to the center of this medieval town that embraces contemporary elements. A QR code displayed on the base allows curious visitors to discover the audio history of both the artist and Toto, making the artwork interactive and educational.
Mayor Jean-Paul Michel emphasized the strategic placement of the artwork, noting its location at a generational crossroads. "Here, we have the nursery, the market, young people from Saint-Laurent and Saint-Joseph schools coming down – it's a meeting place for several generations. We hope this will become a place for discussion and questioning. That this work can attract attention, spark conversation, and create conviviality," he explained.
Local resident Magali, a 47-year-old mother from the neighborhood, supports this vision. "It's a statue that will really appeal to children. They'll have more ease getting interested in this type of art than in old statues. I think it's a good idea to have placed it in a central point of the city," she said.
This inauguration marks the second phase of an "urban artistic trail" launched by the municipality last year. Following the mural by Koralie Carmen Flores painted in 2024 on Vacheresse Street, Toto becomes the second artwork in this pathway that will expand over the years. The initiative aims to promote artists and make art accessible to everyone in the community.
The cultural project welcomes both local and non-local creators, with each artwork linked to a QR code for additional information. These installations will eventually serve as cultural landmarks rooted in Lagny-sur-Marne, allowing both residents and visitors to experience the city through a fresh artistic perspective. The growing collection represents the town's commitment to expanding its cultural heritage while honoring the diverse artists who have found a home in this historic Seine-et-Marne community.
