Meet Marc Sijan, the man behind hyperrealist sculptures that look so real they even fooled Michael Jordan!
By Home & Decor Team -
Marc Sijan’s sculptures are so realistic, they often make fools out of people – former NBA player Michael Jordan once mistook one for a real security guard and berated the artwork for ignoring him. If you’ve seen these hyperrealist life-size works, you wouldn’t be surprised; Marc doesn’t miss a pore, wrinkle or freckle. The 71-year-old American is even able to capture the look of cloth sticking to the skin on a hot, sweaty day!
How much work goes into a sculpture?
A sculpture takes at least six months to produce – from the direct anatomic cast and sculpting of the polyester resin to the multiple layers of flesh-coloured oil paint. All I know [about the human form] comes from observation.
Why are humans so fascinated by these life-size sculptures?
The viewer can analyse every part of these sculptures closely and carefully, unlike in society, where one cannot observe each other in the same way – that would be uncomfortable! I’ve heard of viewers who will stare at these sculptures for a long time, just to see if they will blink.
What do your models think of their 3-D form?
My models are always honoured to be part of art history. As most people never see themselves in a 3-D format – and only in pictures or a mirror – it’s thrilling to see yourself as yourself.
Why do you think collectors enjoy your work?
The human form is the oldest subject matter known to mankind, so art collectors – including those who collect my work – have been collecting images of themselves since day one.