Japanese artist Hiroshi Shinno creates hyper realistically and detailed sculptures of life like insects using organic materials that you can find in nature, such as delicate flower petals and vibrant leaves. Each petal or leaf is cast from resin and painted with acrylic paint, and then placed on the model.

Hiroshi Shinno is passionate about animals and insects of all kinds. At first glance, you do not immediately understand that they aren't real, just the sculptor's imagination! There are no such insects in nature, all of them were invented by the Hiroshi. These remarkable tiny pieces of art are made out of seeds, dry leafs, thin transparent shells, brass (for the body), and topped with wings or leaves that are cast from resin and hand-painted with vibrant acrylic colours.

life like insects crafted with organic materials

These exquisite tiny works of art are called ikimono (life/living) sculptures, and are inspired by his love and concern for nature, something which has been with him since childhood. The artist of Kyoto sketches the ideas for his imaginative creatures in an Insect Diary. His works start out as sketches, and are brought to life little by little through his creative process that implies a rigorous and almost scientific curiosity.

life like insects crafted with organic materials

life like insects crafted with organic materials

life like insects crafted with organic materials

life like insects crafted with organic materials

life like insects crafted with organic materials

life like insects crafted with organic materials

life like insects crafted with organic materials

life like insects crafted with organic materials

life like insects crafted with organic materials

Shinno's sculptures evoke a delicate colored insectoid beauty, they remind us that the real insects are just as captivating and worthy of our attention.

Comments

  • Marianne McDougall
    Really unusual detailed sculptures and very creative works from the artist Hiroshi Shinno. Thank you for sharing Alex.
  • Dave Mac
    Visually stunning sculptures.