When we think of sculptures, we think about beautiful and majestic statues typically carved from stone or wood. But Japanese artist Nagato Iwasaki has a unique take on making three-dimensional art. His series of driftwood sculptures are nothing short of impressive, his creations are actually not your typical ‘charming’ statues. If we were to describe his unique creations, we would say they are ‘eerie’ and ‘incredible’.
Constructed from wood, the life-sized sculptures give viewers the feeling of uneasiness. These figurative works of art feature non-human objects that appear eerily similar to real human beings. Furthermore, the artist assembles each piece with a unique posture to achieve a very realistic human quality. When placed in the woods, they appear as bizarre beings wandering through the forests. When placed in an art gallery, they appear as curious museum dwellers.
Driftwood Sculptures That Are Eerily Beautiful
Iwasaki places his sculptures in different locations in Japan. So, you can find incomplete bodies made entirely of driftwood and there’s no denying the creepy vibe they give. But nonetheless, we can’t also dismiss the fact that they’re mesmerizing. Obviously, these sculptures are not something you’d want to come across at night. That’s an instant heart attack guaranteed. But there’s also something about these unsettling and imposing figures that make us want to see more.
Iwasaki has been crafting the sculptures for the past 25 years. These masterpieces have been exhibited in various art galleries across Japan and even abroad. Despite all these recognition, Iwasaki seems to be one of those under-the-radar artists we don’t know much about. But his sculptures are striking enough on their own to speak for themselves.
Source: Nagato Iwasaki