The floral sculptures made by artist Joey Bates look like meticulously cut-out paper shapes that have been splashed with some paint. But don’t be fooled. That splash of paint is just colored paper implanted to trick the viewers.
Bates creates his sculptures by stacking layers of paper flowers in fantastic-looking bouquets that are full of intricate details and unusual shapes. In most cases, the majority of the sculpture is created on white or black paper before blooming into “color splashes” made out of blue, pink, or gold paper.
“Each piece references a volcanic explosion or amalgamation of explosions to recall disruption, destruction, and eventual renewal,” the artist explains on his website. “The flowers lend a patina of beauty and ease to a process that is jarring, disorienting, and happening constantly — whether or not we are paying attention.”
Bates has a degree from Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids. He currently lives and works in a small Swedish town Dals Langed. His works have been exhibited in galleries around the world and are part of both private and public collections. You can check more of his floral sculptures on his website and social media or by continuing to scroll.
