Koichi Matsufuji Japan, b. 1973
Seated Baby of Mercy, 2019
Cast Glass, Inlaid Glass Eyes, Wood
14" x 24" x 11"
Further images
These works use the lost-wax kiln casting glass technique. First, he makes the original form of the babies in wax and then pours in refractory plaster to create a mold....
These works use the lost-wax kiln casting glass technique. First, he makes the original form of the babies in wax and then pours in refractory plaster to create a mold. Then he fills the molds with glass in the electric kiln and melts it at a high temperature of 900°C and lets it cool slowly over a number of days. Matsufuji says that his works get a soul during the time they spend in the kiln. He takes the glass that comes out of the kiln in his hands and carefully polishes it and then finally inserts the babies’ eyes. After this kind of craft approach, the glass sculpture is complete.
Matsufuji used to produce works associated with death. However, when his father died suddenly, the theme of death did an about face and he began to create babies which are the image of birth. The motif of babies represents the start of life and are an existence that can change into anything in the future. Matsufuji does not only create images of babies as life, he also makes the babies into Buddha statues or Kabuki actors adding a humorous side to his works.
Matsufuji used to produce works associated with death. However, when his father died suddenly, the theme of death did an about face and he began to create babies which are the image of birth. The motif of babies represents the start of life and are an existence that can change into anything in the future. Matsufuji does not only create images of babies as life, he also makes the babies into Buddha statues or Kabuki actors adding a humorous side to his works.