Kermit (Oplage 5+3AP), 2025
“Actually, I do exactly the same thing I did in my youth, only now claying is my job.”
Erik Buijs (1970, NL) creates animated figures out of clay or wax, deliberately leaving traces of the sculpting process. Due to the intriguing mix of the whimsical and childlike appearance of his figures, combined with somber undertones, Buijs' sculptures embody a peculiar yet powerful presence. These figures, seemingly playful but with a strangely idiosyncratic twist, offer a unique perspective on the human condition. Within their seemingly simple forms lie layers of depth, revealing both sensitivity and whimsy. Buijs masterfully connects the weighty aspects of human emotion with the innocent essence of childhood. This creates sculptures that resonate with viewers on an emotional level, an artistic fusion that manages to strike the sensitive chord of the human spirit.