Kim Simonsson
THE ENIGMATIC WORLD OF MOSS PEOPLE
Ode to Finnish Folklore and Apocalyptic Symbolism
The convergence of Finnish folklore, apocalyptic themes, and the narrative elements of William Golding's classic novel "Lord of the Flies" may seem like an unlikely fusion. However, for the highly imaginative artist and innovative ceramist Kim Simonsson, this amalgamation has birthed a hauntingly beautiful sculpture series known as "Moss People." Crafted with meticulous attention to detail in glazed stoneware, Simonsson's life-size moss-green children captivate viewers with their deceptively innocent appearance, concealing a disconcerting sensibility upon closer inspection. Combining elements of verisimilitude and meta-narrative symbolism, the Moss People have garnered significant attention through solo gallery shows and installations, immersing audiences in their post-apocalyptic world where nature has triumphed.
The Rise of Moss People:
The Rise of Moss People: The Moss People have made a resounding impact on the art scene, with two solo gallery shows and three major installations in the past year alone. Their imposing presence was witnessed earlier this year as colossal figures in a monumental public installation at the French triennial arts and culture fair, lille3000, themed "UTOPIA." Subsequently, they embarked on a journey to Lyon for the 16th Lyon Biennale, captivating visitors with their enigmatic allure. Most recently, the Moss People took center stage at Design Miami 2022, courtesy of Jason Jacques Gallery's booth. Here, an innovative two-storey installation by Urban Umbrella allowed viewers to step inside Simonsson's captivating universe, showcasing a combination of his recent works alongside a never-before-seen Moss Giant.
Unraveling the Mystery
Wrapped in both mystery and allegory, the Moss People, primarily composed of children, raise numerous questions. Where did they originate? Did they form a cohesive group that dissolved due to internal conflicts, or did they grow up in solitude, navigating a hostile environment individually? Could they have been raised by animals or perhaps by adults who have since perished? Simonsson, more of a documentarian than a historian, intentionally leaves these questions unanswered, chronicling the coping mechanisms of each individual in a world devastated by disaster.
Diverse Yet Camouflaged:
Despite their similar color and size, the Moss Children encompass a diverse array of individuals. From the sedentary "Resting Giant Girl" exhibited at Design Miami to authoritative figures such as "The Doctor," "Kindergarten Teacher," "Musician," "Botanist," and "Astronaut in Camouflage," each sculpture hints at a unique backstory and rites of passage. Symbolic figures like "Jeanne d'Arc (Joan of Arc)" and "Good Shepherd" add another layer of meaning to the series. Notably, all Moss Children possess an innate talent for camouflage, seamlessly blending into their natural surroundings. Simonsson emphasizes how the moss green figures merge with the environment, much like a protective carpet covering the ground, rocks, and tree trunks.
Blending Myth, Pop Culture, and Childhood
Drawing inspiration from Finnish folklore, Simonsson's fairy tale creatures bear references to pop culture, science fiction, consumerism, and children's games. From their poses and outfits to the found objects incorporated into the stonework, Moss Children possess a symbolic visual language that facilitates communication among themselves. Simultaneously, their enigmatic semiology bestows the series with a narrative complexity and elusive meaning, capturing the viewers' imaginations and inviting them to interpret the sculptures through their own lens.
An Artistic Alchemy
Simonsson's technique merges sculptural ceramics with industrial fabrication methods, resulting in a visually stunning and intricate art form. Each figure undergoes meticulous hand-sculpting using stoneware clay, fired to 1,200 degrees Celsius, before being adorned with epoxy and nylon flocking, creating a mesmerizing texture. The plant-like quality of the moss texture emerged serendipitously as Simonsson experimented with various combinations of nylon fibers. The captivating hyper-saturated green coloration was also a fortuitous accident, a combination of neon yellow flock and a black background that perfectly complemented the artist's vision for his fairy tale creatures.
Eternal Reflections
Whether experienced through immersive installations or viewed amidst the Finnish countryside, as evocatively captured by photographer Jefunne Gimpel, the Moss Children strike a chord within viewers. In their melancholic yet unyielding nature, their destitution juxtaposed with resourcefulness, and their solitary existence devoid of loneliness, they speak to our existential angst, fears of ecological catastrophe, and evoke our inner child. The enigmatic world of Moss People serves as an artistic reflection of our collective consciousness, provoking contemplation and stirring emotions that transcend the boundaries of time and place.
Visual Language
Kim Simonsson's Moss People series delves into the intersection of Finnish folklore, apocalyptic symbolism, and the imaginative world of William Golding's "Lord of the Flies." With their eerie allure and thought-provoking narratives, these life-size moss-green sculptures have captured the attention of art enthusiasts worldwide. Simonsson's meticulous craftsmanship and incorporation of diverse influences create a visual language that resonates with viewers, inviting them to explore the complexities of the post-apocalyptic world inhabited by the Moss Children. As they blend seamlessly into their surroundings, these enigmatic figures blur the lines between reality and imagination, leaving an indelible impression on those who encounter them, forever sparking contemplation about the human condition and the fragile relationship between nature and civilization.
