Mossy Figures Wander By way of Woodlands and Metropolis Streets in Kim Simonsson’s Flocked Ceramic Sculptures — Colossal



Artwork

#ceramics
#folklore
#Kim Simonsson
#moss
#nature
#public artwork
#sculpture

“Mossgirl with Feathers” (2016), ceramics, nylon fiber, epoxy resin, feathers, and twine. All photos © Kim Simonsson, shared with permission. Images by Jefunne Gimpel

Among the most enjoyable creative discoveries are the outcomes of accidents or the stunning outcomes of experiments, and artist Kim Simonsson’s collection Moss Folks is the results of one such sudden twist. Coated with delicate flocking—a strategy of making use of very superb fiber to the floor of an object—the large-scale ceramic sculptures have been initially layered solely with velvety black till a couple of years in the past, when someday, the Finnish sculptor determined to flock a kind of items with yellow, too. As soon as the crushed nylon fiber was utilized over the black, it turned inexperienced, and the verdant figures have since grown right into a cornerstone of his observe.

Simonsson attracts inspiration from popular culture and Nordic fairytales and folklore, creating expressive, youthful characters who tote rucksacks, put on feathers of their hair, or carry vital gadgets like books, radios, or plush toys. For the 2022 Utopia Festival in Lille, France, he created monumental variations from fiberglass that lined a thoroughfare and appeared to wander amongst the passersby, emphasizing tender facial expressions, theatrical scale, and the sense that every particular person is on a mission. The artist faucets right into a playful stress between the spritely power of youth and the truth that moss naturally grows on exhausting, unmoving surfaces.

Atmospheric photos taken outside seize the confident figures as they wander by way of woodland, geared up for an expedition. The latest characters function edible greenery and cabbage that grows from their limbs, torsos, and toes, offering each safety and sustenance. By producing and carrying their very own meals, they’re fully autonomous, self-sustaining beings.

Simonsson’s solo exhibition Moss Cabbage Folks is on view at Galerie NeC in Paris by way of December 24. Discover extra of the artist’s work on his website, and observe updates on Instagram.

“Moss Folks in Pine Forest”

“Cabbage Mossgirl Resting” (2022), ceramics, nylon fiber, epoxy resin, and synthetic plant

Left: “Mossgirl With Damaged Stereo” (2022), ceramics, nylon fiber, epoxy resin, cassette stereo, rope, and synthetic flowers. Proper: “Cabbage Mossboy Studying” (2022), ceramics, nylon fiber, and epoxy resin

“Hiding Place” (2022), ceramics, nylon fiber, and epoxy resin

“Mossboy” (2016), ceramics, nylon fiber, epoxy resin, feathers, and twine

Left: “Bearded Mossman with Feathers” (2019), ceramics, epoxy resin, nylon fiber, feathers, and twine. Proper: “Mossboy With Idol” (2022), ceramics, nylon fiber, epoxy resin, and delicate toy

“Mossboy With Rock” (2017), ceramics, nylon fiber, epoxy resin, and textile

“Moss Princess” (2019), ceramics, nylon fiber, epoxy resin, and chain

“Keep in mind,” “Friendship,” “Large Gatherer,” and “Mild,” (2022), fiberglass, polyester resin, and nylon fiber. Put in in Lille, France, for Utopia Pageant

#ceramics
#folklore
#Kim Simonsson
#moss
#nature
#public artwork
#sculpture

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