masayoshi matsumoto teaches how to create realistic animal sculptures, using balloons only

continuing to push the limits of balloon art to the maximum, masayoshi matsumoto expands his lifelike balloon creature collection, adding new pieces each week. playing with shape, shading, and expression in his works, matsumoto can sculpt pretty much any species of the animal kingdom in a balloon form — and he can teach you how to do it, too.

all images courtesy of masayoshi matsumoto

rejecting the use of any adhesive materials, markers, or other decorations, the artist opts for a variety of textures and colors in order to recreate the physical form of his subjects. on his popular instagram page, masayoshi matsumoto shares the creation process, depicting all the twisting, and turning he has to do, to complete each of his sculptures. ‘I find it rewarding to be able to help people through balloon art,’ the japanese artist says, ‘I also feel happy when I can create a work of art that I am satisfied with.’

also teaching others through youtube tutorials, masayoshi hopes that his intricate work proves how layered and thoughtful balloon art can really be. ‘when they hear the term ‘balloon art’, many people imagine a poodle or such,’ he explains, ‘but I would like people to realize that there is an area of this art form that takes time to create complex works too.’