“Incomplete” Sculptures Capture the Playful and Timid Personalities of Children

Figurative Sculptures of Children by Lene Kilda

Norwegian artist Lene Kilda creates figurative sculptures inspired by the emotions and personalities of children. Believing that body language is “their purest form of communication,” Kilda visualizes each childlike pose with cement-sculpted hands and feet, and fragments of textured clothing made from colored, metal mesh. The “incomplete” pieces invite the viewer to use their imagination to fill in the visual gaps and illusory contours, and perhaps delve into their own childhood memories.

Although each sculpture—made from “concrete, metal mesh and air”—shows only parts of the artist’s subjects, their concrete hands and feet still portray a strong sense of character. Curious children are depicted standing on their tippy toes, while timid, less confident youngsters are shown with awkwardly positioned feet and curled up toes. More brave and adventurous kids are shown with confident stances, tightly clenched fists, and are often placed with accompanying props.

The range of emotions, personalities, and stances specific to children is quite evident while browsing through the unconventional sculptor's portfolio of work. In one piece, the feet are positioned wide apart, while the subject’s gripping hands pull on the string of a toy duck. In another, a child is depicted trying on her mother’s oversized shoes and bag—a familiar childhood activity for many.

Find more of Kilda’s charming sculptures on Instagram.

Norwegian artist Lene Kilda creates figurative concrete and steel wire sculptures inspired by the emotions and body language of children.

Figurative Sculptures of Children by Lene Kilda

Figurative Sculptures of Children by Lene Kilda

Made from “concrete, metal mesh and air,” each piece shows only parts of the artist’s subjects.

Figurative Sculptures of Children by Lene Kilda

Figurative Sculptures of Children by Lene Kilda

Figurative Sculptures of Children by Lene Kilda

Figurative Sculptures of Children by Lene Kilda

However, their hands and feet still portray a strong sense of character.

Figurative Sculptures of Children by Lene Kilda

Figurative Sculptures of Children by Lene Kilda

Each piece invites the viewer to fill in the visual gaps and illusory contours, and perhaps delve into their own childhood memories.

Figurative Sculptures of Children by Lene Kilda

Figurative Sculptures of Children by Lene Kilda

Figurative Sculptures of Children by Lene Kilda

Figurative Sculptures of Children by Lene Kilda

Figurative Sculptures of Children by Lene Kilda

Figurative Sculptures of Children by Lene Kilda

Figurative Sculptures of Children by Lene Kilda

Figurative Sculptures of Children by Lene Kilda

Figurative Sculptures of Children by Lene Kilda

Figurative Sculptures of Children by Lene Kilda

Figurative Sculptures of Children by Lene Kilda

Figurative Sculptures of Children by Lene Kilda

Figurative Sculptures of Children by Lene Kilda

Figurative Sculptures of Children by Lene Kilda

Figurative Sculptures of Children by Lene Kilda

Lene Kilde: Website | Facebook | Instagram

All images via Lene Kilde.

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Emma Taggart

Emma Taggart is a Contributing Writer at My Modern Met. Originally from Northern Ireland, she is an artist now based in Berlin. After graduating with a BA in Fashion and Textile Design in 2013, Emma decided to combine her love of art with her passion for writing. Emma has contributed to various art and culture publications, with an aim to promote and share the work of inspiring modern creatives. While she writes every day, she’s also devoted to her own creative outlet—Emma hand-draws illustrations and is currently learning 2D animation.
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