Kim Simonsson, a contemporary artist born in 1974, hails from the picturesque landscapes of Fiskars, Finland, where he finds inspiration for his enchanting and otherworldly creations. His artistic journey leads us through a magical realm, deeply rooted in the Finnish forests, folklore, and a captivating blend of imagination and reality. Simonsson’s distinctive artistic voice is exemplified by his iconic “Moss People,” life-sized ceramic figures that beckon viewers into a dreamlike narrative.
Within Simonsson’s ceramic sculptures, innocence intertwines with allure, predominantly embodied by beguiling childlike forms. These Moss People, swathed in hues reminiscent of moss-covered terrain, evoke a sense of innate camouflage, mirroring the natural world’s interplay of textures and colors. Their presence suggests a realm of lost and disconnected souls, entwined by a search for leadership and the creation of false idols—a poignant commentary on contemporary society.
Simonsson’s artistic prowess shines through his profound mastery of clay as a medium. Each sculpture is lovingly handcrafted within the artist’s Fiskars Village studio, reflecting his unwavering commitment to his craft. His explorations extend beyond the Moss People, delving into an array of glazes—milky white, cobalt blue, anthracite black, and metallic lusters—adding layers to the overarching narrative and weaving a captivating tapestry of interconnected stories.
One of the art world’s captivating discoveries, Simonsson’s Moss Children, took center stage at Design Miami 2021, earning acclaim for their innovative synthesis of stoneware, paint, and nylon fiber. This unique blend gives rise to the sculptures’ soft, mossy textures, contributing to their ethereal quality. The Moss Children’s monumental presence, showcased at Lille3000, a renowned art fair in Lille, France, continues to captivate and resonate with audiences worldwide.
Simonsson’s artistic journey took a serendipitous turn, steering him away from a potential career in soccer. The loss of his soccer cleats on a fateful bike ride led him to embark on an artistic path. Enrolling in the Department of Ceramic and Glass at the University of Arts & Design, he became captivated by the three-dimensional potential of clay. His dedication and talent garnered recognition when he was awarded the Young Artist of the Year prize in 2004, and he further solidified his reputation by collaborating with the renowned Finnish ceramics maker, Arabia.
Kim Simonsson’s art transcends traditional boundaries, offering a glimpse into a realm where imagination and reality coalesce. His Moss People and other sculptures embody a poetic narrative, drawing viewers into a world that blurs the lines between the tangible and the fantastical. Through his artistry, Kim Simonsson crafts an immersive experience that challenges perceptions and sparks contemplation, making an indelible mark on the contemporary art landscape.