Yuki Matsueda + Creative Constraints

How great are these 3D sculptures by Japanese artist Yuki Matsueda? The series is entitled "Escape," and these 3D objects do indeed appear to be breaking free from their (in some cases) two-dimensional boundaries. The artist is exploring the idea of escaping from constraints, and I would suggest also escaping from what's expected or routine. That the pieces are technically very good is evident (he has a Ph.D in Design from Tokyo University of the Arts), but there's much more going on here. Matsueda's work exhibits a playfulness reminiscent of Claes Oldenburg and others, but he also creates tension and movement. Just look at that egg projectile in the top image; doesn't it look as if it's bursting out? The idea of breaking free is inherently hopeful, and therefore, Matsueda's work inspires optimism.
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Artistic boundaries and constraints, both external and internal, are something I have thought about often. Recently, I read a post from Tara Gentile where she made some compelling arguments as to why creative constraints aren't always a bad thing. She suggests that "constraints push us to the edge of what is possible," and that invented constraints such as time, materials, and mechanism can push you to generate new ideas. I think this process could definitely help if your work is feeling stagnant, and you need a push in a different direction. Read the rest of the article here.