Latex Sculpting (“Gluten Free”)

The sculptures are inspired by random, scared sketches of animals. Animals have emerged from the unknown, as if unexplored creatures hiding at the boom of the ocean, but they are also likely to be important to the ecosystem. For me, some of the sculptures symbolize what lies in the unknown, in the inner depths of man, and what is usually feared. If you ignore it, it becomes dangerous like a Nile crocodile in murky water. But when you are consciously vigilant, when you explore more and more unknown areas, then you improve, you feel alive and free. I put it all in a crocodile sculpture – it’s him hiding in murky water – he is the depth, it’s him scaring you – he is the horror, it’s him who liberates you – he is the yoga. The hungry crocodile gets not so big anymore, not so terrible and even quite cute…

The base of the sculpture is made of plasticine, which is used to make a figure from latex. The most effective way to change the state of the sculpture from plasticine to latex is by molding. Still here I choose just to apply the latex on top, drying it and applying it again. Using the mold casting method, the sculpture would remain identical to its original version, as well as retain subtle, unchanging details, but thanks to the multi-layer lubrication, each sculpture becomes unique. The figure grows organically, from a fragile primary form to a persistent exoskeleton, which is eventually operated on to remove the remnants of the template remaining inside. Such a production process is slow, but it provides a creative medium for reflection, meditation and symbolizes growth: as an organism, as a personality. Finally, latex itself, as a material, has strongly organic associations – which is kind of charming and disgusting.

It is a project about self-knowledge, fear and freedom and something damn lovely disgusting.

I am the Depth, I am the Horror, I am the Yoga

Stop motion test