Montreal-based artist Raku Inoue (RAH-koo ee-NOH-ay) never imagined his work would go viral.
He uses natural materials such as flower petals, tree bark, palm fronds, and pinecones to compose images of animals—like the butterfly, seahorse, and sloth shown below. “It’s never about making something beautiful just for the beauty of it,” he explains. “It’s more about having this connection with nature.”
Inoue layers flower petals for pops of color and to create textures such as fur. Then he adds details with sticks, greenery, and other natural materials. With these surprising sculptures, Inoue invites viewers to think about the relationship between flora (plants) and fauna (animals).