Sculptures That Move

Sculptures That Move

- Priyanka Menon

 

Artist Felix Semper’s kinetic sculptures appear to be carved in stone. But there’s more to his masterpieces than what meets the eye!

Ever strolled into an exhibit wondering what would happen if you ignored the ‘Do Not Touch’ sign and dared to touch one of the sculptures on display? Home Review takes you on an explorative journey with Greensboro artist, Felix Semper, and his sculptures where the first rule is - touch the sculpture! “My sculptures are made of different materials, but they all have something in common - movement,” Semper says. Inspired by neo-expressionist artist, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Semper’s fascination with stretchable paper sculptures ultimately gave way to sculptures that have manifold dimensions. He begins by gluing together layers and layers of paper and then carefully carves out a copy of the vision that had once played around in his mind.

Up close, the finer details of the piece mirror his personal interpretation of the artist or object, where a misalignment doesn’t necessarily mean a mistake. Instead, it is transformed into an opportunity to explore the sculpture further and create something that surpasses the initial idea. Regarding this, Semper says, “My art is spontaneous. So the final outcome may not be what I had originally planned, but I accept all creativity as part of the process.”

“Paper is strong, but fragile at the same time,” Semper says. His sculptures represent the paradoxical nature of life - its permanence and transience. Some of his sculptures don’t just contain paper. Semper is always on the lookout for new materials to incorporate into his pieces.