Mossy Figures Wander Through Woodlands and City Streets in Kim Simonsson’s Flocked Ceramic Sculptures

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

Some of the most exciting artistic discoveries are the results of accidents or the surprising outcomes of experiments, and artist Kim Simonsson’s series Moss People is the result of one such unexpected twist. Coated with soft flocking—a process of applying very fine fiber to the surface of an object—the large-scale ceramic sculptures were initially layered only with velvety black until a few years ago, when one day, the Finnish sculptor decided to flock one of those pieces with yellow, too. Once the crushed nylon fiber was applied over the black, it turned green, and the verdant figures have since grown into a cornerstone of his practice.

Simonsson draws inspiration from pop culture and Nordic fairytales and folklore, creating expressive, youthful characters who tote rucksacks, wear feathers in their hair, or carry important items like books, radios, or plush toys. For the 2022 Utopia Festival in Lille, France, he created monumental versions from fiberglass that lined a thoroughfare and appeared to wander amongst the passersby, emphasizing tender facial expressions, theatrical scale, and the sense that each individual is on a mission. The artist taps into a playful tension between the spritely energy of youth and the fact that moss naturally grows on hard, unmoving surfaces.

Atmospheric images taken outdoors capture the self-assured figures as they wander through woodland, equipped for an expedition. The most recent characters feature edible greenery and cabbage that grows from their limbs, torsos, and feet, providing both protection and sustenance. By producing and carrying their own food, they are completely autonomous, self-sustaining beings.

Simonsson’s solo exhibition Moss Cabbage People is on view at Galerie NeC in Paris through December 24. Find more of the artist’s work on his website, and follow updates on Instagram.

9 PHOTOS

1. “Moss People in Pine Forest”

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

3. Left: “Mossgirl With Broken Stereo” (2022), ceramics, nylon fiber, epoxy resin, cassette stereo, rope, and artificial flowers. Right: “Cabbage Mossboy Reading” (2022), ceramics, nylon fiber, and epoxy resin

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

5. “Mossboy” (2016), ceramics, nylon fiber, epoxy resin, feathers, and rope

6. Left: “Bearded Mossman with Feathers” (2019), ceramics, epoxy resin, nylon fiber, feathers, and rope. Right: “Mossboy With Idol” (2022), ceramics, nylon fiber, epoxy resin, and soft toy

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

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

9. “Remember,” “Friendship,” “Giant Gatherer,” and “Light,” (2022), fiberglass, polyester resin, and nylon fiber. Installed in Lille, France, for Utopia Festival