Exhibition | Kim Simonsson brings quiet horror to Jason Jacques Gallery

Jason Jacques is one of the most important dealers in the world for modern ceramics. The gallery begins with late 19th-century European studio potters and encompasses contemporary art was well. Known for specialty in vessel and abstract sculpture, he is now venturing into new waters: figurative sculpture. His first show is a knockout and fits his taste for the theatrical. Jacques eschews the wide cube for sets that are often controversial and complex. This time Kim Simonsson is perfectly placed in a black room sheathed in mirrored steel that accentuates the angst in many of these works.

Jason Jacques is presenting the work of Kim Simonsson in the exhibition Moss People (New York City, October 8th — 28th, 2015). The Finland-based artist received his Master of Art from the University of Arts and Design Helsinki in 2000 and has been quickly rising in the ranks of the art world. He has had 28 solo exhibitions in eight countries since year 2000, giving you an idea of his prolific output.

The work in Moss People is bold in color and symbolism. The life-size sculptures occupying the dark space make it clear that you are a visitor in their world. Many pieces like Sleeping Mosswoman With Ghosts skew conventions of power, making innocent characters like children into quiet rulers. They are not outwardly evil, though. It is unexpected, like the grim reaper in disguise. A warm embrace of a deer in Sacrificial Deer turns horrifying when you approach to see the small girl has gained the trust of the forest creature, just to consume it alive.

“Authority in its many forms fascinates me and in my works I want to reverse the common beliefs by making the weak powerful,” says Simonsson.

Justin Crowe is a Writer and Director of Operations at CFile.

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