Kim Simonsson: Moss Giants

The moss giants are the first works by Simonsson to be shown outdoors in central Helsinki. Originally created for the French festival lille3000, the giants will continue their journey in the autumn, when they will be permanently installed in the forests of Söderlångvik manor on Kemiö Island.

Kim Simonsson’s moss giants form a community of exceptional children. The artist has given each child a task, all of which are equally necessary to maintain the giants’ harmonious coexistence. Some carry various tools on their backs, others are accompanied by animals. The giants talk in Finnish sign language.

Themes of childhood have preoccupied the artist since the early stages of his career, when his child characters challenged cultural norms of desired and inappropriate behaviour. Today, Simonsson’s artistic work is also influenced by his trials and joys of parenthood. For instance, the moss giants reflect the artist’s experience of learning sign language; he speaks in Finnish sign language with one of his two children.

The journey of the moss giants continues in the autumn. Their final destination is Söderlångvik manor, Amos Anderson’s summer home on Kemiö Island. Each giant will find a permanent home in the woodland next to the manor. Over time, the giants will start to decompose, offering a growing ground for lichen, moss and other organisms. In this way, the giants will become part of the forest’s own ecosystem.

The exhibition is curated by Kai Kartio.

Come and say hello to the giants starting from spring - you can visit the Glass Palace Square anytime without a ticket!