Japanese Artist Creates Unbelievable Balloon Sculptures That Resemble Real Animals And Insects (30 New Pics) Interview With Artist
We tend to think of balloons as a b-day prop, which is fun till you turn 13. With childhood behind, these are just inflated pieces of air that sit in the attic waiting for a hero to escort them to a recycled heaven.
But the Japanese artist Masayoshi Matsumoto is proving us all wrong. This guy has been turning balloons into intricate sculptures for a decade now, proving such an unusual medium can create wonders. Every piece, which takes two to six hours to make, is made entirely from balloons with no markers, stickers or tapes allowed in the game.
Let’s take a look at some of the most mesmerizing inflated animals and insects below. After you’re done with this post, be sure to check out some more of Matsumoto’s creations in our part 1, part 2, and part 3. If you dream of picking up a needle and popping a balloon or two tonight, you’ll know why. And we can’t judge.
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Quetzal
where do u get metallic balloons??!!!?!?! I would LOVE those for my birthday!
Bored Panda contacted Masayoshi Matsumoto to find out more about his unique balloon artworks. The 31-year-old from Kanagawa, Japan graduated from engineering at the Tokyo Institute of Technology, where he received a master’s degree in 2014.
The artist has been working on this project that he calls “realistic balloon art” for more than a decade. “I started making balloon art when I was in the juggling club 12 years ago,” he told us.
Masayoshi has been drawn to animals and insects since he was a kid. “I've liked animals since I was a child, so I mostly make art with animal themes,” he said. “As a child, I kept insects as pets, so I have an emotional attachment to my insect-themed artworks.”
Every balloon creature takes from 3 to 6 hours to make. Masayoshi told us that he has always been inspired by wildlife pictures. “I wanted to see if I could possibly create realistic animals of my own using nothing but balloon material.”
Bush Cricket
Ring-Tailed Lemur
Oarfish
Pond Snail
Rose-Ringed Parakeet
Pseudoscorpion
Tick
I like drowning ticks in the toilet. But I don't think that will work very well
Mayfly Nymph
Note: this post originally had 57 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.
I have been making balloon animals for 20 years and even did them full time. These are the most amazing I have ever seen. Boredpanda needs to post more of this type of artistry.
wow 20 years that is a long time! I could never put that much dedication into stuff like that :)
I used to make balloon animals at parties. I couldn't even imagine that creations like these were possible.
These are amazing!! There's so much detail in them as well!
I have been making balloon animals for 20 years and even did them full time. These are the most amazing I have ever seen. Boredpanda needs to post more of this type of artistry.
wow 20 years that is a long time! I could never put that much dedication into stuff like that :)
I used to make balloon animals at parties. I couldn't even imagine that creations like these were possible.
These are amazing!! There's so much detail in them as well!