Magzoid Magazine - Luxury Magazine in the Creative Space | September 2023 |

Exclusive
Kim Simonson’s
Artist
Ceramic realm of mystical moss and enchanted tales
K
im 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 lustres—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 arts 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, Simonsson
crafts an immersive experience that
challenges perceptions and sparks contemplation,
making an indelible mark on the
contemporary art landscape.
- feature@magzoid.com
www.magzoid.com September 2023
49