Georges Ayusawa

Mask maker | Peseux, Switzerland

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Georges Ayusawa

Upcycling to craft futuristic sculptures

Georges is a self-taught artist
His work mixes traditional aesthetics and innovative use of materials
He is dedicated to using everyday objects and rubbish that people throw away

It was while working as a set designer that Georges Ayusawa thought he might want to change paths for something more artistically fulfilling. A self-taught artist, Georges’ upcycling art and sculptures are now unmistakable with their steampunk, futuristic and dystopian aesthetic. Made of recycled materials, from plastic bottles to cat food tins, he takes pride in creating intriguing art with the simplest materials, sometimes rubbish that was destined to be thrown away. While the materials used are unconventional, Georges' work stems from traditional representations across different cultures globally, from samurai to science-fiction figures.

Interview

©Tam-Nguyen

©Tam-Nguyen

What brought you to your craft?: In 2018, when my professional life as a set designer was no longer fulfilling me from an artistic point of view, a friend asked me to help him make a large number of sculptures, on a shoestring budget and in record time. It was an impossible challenge that inspired me to change careers!
How would you describe your work now?: The core of my work is to use 'orphaned' objects destined for destruction, which is useful in these times of environmental awareness and simple common sense. I am dedicated to reinterpreting and reusing everyday objects or rubbish that people throw away.
Is there a traditional aspect to your craft?: It is a contemporary interpretation of armour, relics and ceremonial masks inspired by traditional aesthetics from around the world. This can be seen for example in the NewWorldDisorder collection of samurai warriors and shaman priests from a dystopian future.
What is special to you about your work?: The opportunity to create what comes out of my imagination, without any preparation whatsoever, on instinct, almost like an automatic meditation. Also working with elements diverted from their original function, to give them a new, more precious life and, if possible, a soul of their own.

Georges Ayusawa is a rising star: he began his career in 2018