Finnish artist Kim Simonsson creates life-sized ceramic sculptures of mystical children covered in velvety green moss. His Moss People series features expressive characters inspired by Nordic folklore, carrying books and toys through enchanted forests.
Through a serendipitous dusting of yellow flocking over black ceramic, Finnish sculptor Kim Simonsson stumbled upon the verdant hue that would transform his stark figures into the mystical Moss People - living proof that art's most captivating moments often emerge when we dare to experiment beyond our original vision.
Ever wonder what happens when artistic accidents turn into pure magic? Just ask Finnish sculptor Kim Simonsson, whose "Moss People" series was born from a delightfully unexpected "oops" moment. Picture this: he's in his studio, working with his signature black-flocked ceramics (that's fancy art-speak for covering things in super-fine fibers), when he decides to throw some yellow into the mix. And boom! The combination turned green, creating what would become his trademark moss-covered figures. Talk about a happy accident!
These aren't your garden-variety sculptures, mind you. Simonsson's characters look like they've walked straight out of a mash-up between Nordic fairy tales and a indie rock music video. You've got these cool kids sporting backpacks, rocking feathers in their hair, and clutching their prized possessions - everything from books to radios to teddy bears. When the 2022 Utopia Festival in Lille, France, came calling, Simonsson went big - really big. He created massive fiberglass versions that had festival-goers doing double-takes, as these green giants seemed to be casually strolling among the crowds, each one looking like they were on some secret mission.
The real kicker? His latest characters are basically walking salad bars (in the coolest way possible). They've got edible greens and cabbage sprouting from their bodies like some kind of eco-friendly superhero outfit. These moss-covered wanderers are totally self-sufficient - they're literally growing their own lunch! Talk about farm-to-table dining.
If you're wandering through the woods and spot what looks like a green figure with a determined expression and their own personal garden, don't worry - you haven't stumbled into a fairy tale. It's probably just one of Simonsson's Moss People, going about their mysterious business. Catch these fascinating creatures at his solo show "Moss Cabbage People" at Galerie NeC in Paris. Can't make it to Paris? No worries - you can stalk (pun intended) his mossy creations on his Instagram.
Behold! A sculpture so bizarre, it's brilliant. Imagine a young girl, but instead of a regular pet, she's got a hulking bulldog...and *she's* partially a bulldog too? The girl, rocking what looks like verdant dreadlocks, calmly holds a chain leading to *another* imposing bulldog. The whole shebang is slathered in a vivid green, like a Chia Pet gone totally rogue. This moss art sculpture is definitely unforgettable. Is it a commentary on power dynamics? A surreal take on the "who's walking whom" question? Perhaps it's just Simmonsson messing with our minds, one green, flocked ceramic sculpture at a time. Either way, it's contemporary moss art with a serious bite.
Picture this: a stark, snowy landscape, the kind that screams "Nordic noir." And then BAM! A figure in full-on green fuzziness. We're talking head-to-toe, like they raided Kermit the Frog's wardrobe. The figure, face obscured by a hood, even has a little backpack! This is more than just a fashion statement; it's an art statement. The contrast between the blinding green and the desolate white creates a surreal, almost otherworldly effect. Is it a forest spirit having a snow day? Or just someone *really* committed to their love of contemporary moss art?
Okay, things are getting a little spooky. We're talking dark forest, looming trees, and… tiny green figures lurking in the undergrowth. These aren't your garden-variety gnomes; they're *moss people*, blending seamlessly with the forest floor in their hooded, green outfits. The scene is bathed in dim, moody light, adding to the unsettling vibe. Are they mischievous sprites? Lost children? Or something far more sinister? Whatever they are, these little green beings are a prime example of Nordic design embracing the eerie and unsettling elements of folklore. This fiber art piece definitely captures the imagination.
Here we have a scene straight out of an eco-nightmare. Imagine a ravaged forest, all broken branches and sad-looking stumps. The air is thick with mist, and the sky is basically auditioning for a role in a post-apocalyptic film. But wait! Emerging from the devastation is a figure cloaked in green, sporting a leafy headpiece like a woodland superhero. This isn't just some random dude in a green suit; it's a symbol. A forest spirit rising from the ashes, perhaps? This piece screams environmental awareness, a poignant reminder of what we stand to lose if we don't take care of our planet. The *flocking* brilliant artist truly highlights contemporary environmental concerns.
Prepare for your daily dose of veggie-inspired art! We've got two figures here, radiating green goodness (or at least, green-ness). First, we have a figure practically drowning in leafy greens. Celery stalks, various foliage...it's like a salad exploded, and a person was caught in the crossfire! Then, there's the kid with the broccoli backpack and a hat that seems to be sprouting...well, more greenery. Are these figures advocates for sustainable living? Walking, talking compost heaps? Maybe! These flocked ceramic sculptures boldly explore our relationship with nature, serving up art with a side of environmental consciousness. The *flocked* details make it all pop.
“Remember,” “Friendship,” “Giant Gatherer,” and “Light,” (fiberglass, polyester resin, and nylon fiber). Installed in Lille, France, for Utopia Festival 2022
Talk about making a statement! These green, moss-covered children sculptures have taken over the streets of what looks like a picturesque European city. Each little figure, complete with backpack and expressive pose, is strategically placed along the walkway, injecting a dose of surreal whimsy into the urban landscape. The sculptures, with their 'Mémoire' signage, appear to be part of Kim Simonsson's Moss Cabbage People exhibition, touching on themes of memory and history. It's an intriguing contrast – the organic, almost fairytale-like figures against the backdrop of grand European architecture. Pedestrians stroll by, seemingly unfazed by the green invasion, making this public art installation a truly captivating spectacle. Where else can you get your photo taken next to Nordic folklore people?
A girl, seemingly made of pure green moss, sits pensively on a grungy pedestal. She's resting her head on her arms, looking like she needs a serious nap. And sprouting from the pedestal? A single flower, adding to the serene, nature-infused vibe. This isn't just a sculpture; it's a story. The juxtaposition of the mossy girl and the graffiti-splattered pedestal creates a fascinating contrast, like nature reclaiming urban decay. It's an artistic meditation on rebirth, environmental consciousness, and the enduring power of green, flocked ceramic sculptures.
This sculpture is like a secret world contained within a green, fuzzy boulder. We've got a hollowed-out pod, all textured and mossy, and inside... a tiny, crouching figure! This isn't just a quick sketch; the figure is meticulously detailed, with visible clothing and even a facial expression. The entire piece is shrouded in a velvety green material, lending a surreal, almost dreamlike quality. Is it a symbol of isolation? Transformation? Or just a really cool way to combine art and horticulture? Regardless, it's a captivating exploration of nature's embrace.
Someone has taken the term "green goddess" to a whole new level! This individual is completely enveloped in green material, transforming them into a living sculpture. The textured body and face look like they've been dipped in moss or clay, and the leafy headdress, resembling cannabis leaves, completes the look. Set against a plain white background, the contrast is striking. It's a bold statement, a celebration of nature, and a subtle nod to the, ahem, *medicinal* properties of certain plants? You'll have to decide for yourself. Either way, this photo demands attention.
Last, but certainly not least, we have two more youngsters who have fully embraced the moss life. These child sculptures are coated in vibrant green, giving them a distinctly organic vibe. On the left, a standing child clutches a bag, their dress adorned with plant-like details. They gaze upwards, seemingly lost in a verdant dream. To the right, another child sits serenely on a pedestal, reading a book as green material drips down, engulfing the base. These Nordic moss people are more than just sculptures; they're powerful symbols of environmental consciousness, decay, and the delicate balance between humanity and nature. They're weird, wonderful, and utterly unforgettable.
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