Shaped swindle: Japanese artist creates animal figurines from balloons

Sculptures from balloons are "blown out" by the artist Masayoshi Matsumoto. The Japanese show zoomorphic figurines at personal exhibitions.

The balloon zoo of the Japanese master is constantly replenished with new residents. Octopuses, parrots, rattlesnakes are striking in their detail - the shape of the eyes, the shape of the beak, wool and feathers.

Working on an animal, bird or insect begins with studying it in its natural environment. Masayoshi Matsumoto visits zoos, reserves or wildlife sanctuaries to get acquainted with the habits of the depicted creature. The Japanese is studying facial expressions and gestures in detail.

In the process, the artist makes sketches in a notebook. Drawings are accompanied by notes on the color of plumage or coat, length. This is taken into account when creating aerial copies. After all, all parts of the body must be proportional.

Then work begins on the selection of balls, their combination. Often you have to stock up on additional material. During twisting, the balls often burst.

Especially successful Masayoshi Matsumoto succeeds in primates - banana monkeys, baboons, gorillas. Facial features, accompanying objects, as well as their playfulness are very clearly depicted.

Balloon sculptures Masayoshi Matsumoto shows at solo exhibitions. The artist's work is familiar not only in his city, but also beyond its borders.

But mainly people get acquainted with animals, birds and insects from balloons through social networks and Masayoshi Matsumoto's website. There the master publishes photographs of works, videos of their production, conducts master classes.

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