There seems to be a fad among contemporary sculptors to use forced perspective to make notably unprofound objects seem grandiose because of the miniature worlds placed upon them. Looking through various posts, articles, and even at my peers’ work, there seems to be a lean toward creating small clusters of activity for the viewer to peek into and happen upon a tiny, precious civilization or biome.
Maico Akiba in his “SEKAI” (“world”) series, fashions pre-made animal action figures into bearers of society with the use of the green fluff found in model sets. Visually there is an obvious whole object, in this case, the triceratops. Though not a significant thing in itself, the dinosaur seems massive, benevolent, and even graceful compared to the twig trees and minuscule homes it hoists on its back, not even noticing their presence. Contrasting with the lumbering mass that is carrying it, the village is jewel-like and visually complex.
Another artist is Kyle Kirkpatrick, who, instead of beasts, uses books. However the notion is the same. A small mass is carrying occupants that force the mass to seem enormous.
So also Pierre Javelle and Akiko Ida, but with food…
And Patrick Jacobs and Kevin LCK and Dalton Ghetti and Slinkachu and…
Why?
What makes this such a thing?
This trend has happened before in book and film. The Borrowers, Honey, I Shrunk The Kids, and Stuart Little all are about people (or mice) who are having to undergo the same level of treacheries and dangers as the rest of us.
We aren't having to run from grasshoppers per se, but the conclusion is that even if you were so small no one could see you, if you could all but disappear from the hum-drum of today, you would still face the anxiety, loneliness, and peril that haunts every person. On the same note, no matter how small you would be, the difference you would make could still be enormous. Influence can still be had despite size. That is why films like these are so popular with children and why these sculptures seem so playful. Who else knows powerlessness via size and knowledge better than kids? Doll houses and G.I. Joes. These personalities are miniaturized for the perspective of being able to, vicariously, look down upon ourselves to see both how fragile we are, but also how significant. And how, in the case of the sculptures, we are both very real and very cared for.
Triceratops’ with villages on their backs are also just cool.
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