Leaf sculptures: nature transformed into art

By Agnes Andersson, Art Specialist

Contemporary art continues to explore new boundaries, and leaf sculptures have become a fascinating creative expression.

Raku Inoue, a multidisciplinary artist born in Tokyo and currently residing in Montreal, finds inspiration in natural elements to create miniature sculptures. In his “Jurassic Nature” series, Inoue uses various plant leaves to form detailed dinosaur sculptures, a delicate yet creative combination that captures the attention of art lovers.

The transformation of nature into art

Raku Inoue does more than sculpt with leaves; he elevates his art to the next level by using organic elements like kiwi vine, white fir, and boxelder maple to recreate prehistoric creatures. His ability to transform these natural materials into intricate sculptures reflects his multidisciplinary artistic approach, which includes photography, painting, and craftsmanship. Each piece is a meticulous and creative representation that showcases Inoue’s talent for harnessing nature in its purest form.

Botanical dinosaurs: a unique sculptural approach

The “Jurassic Nature” series stands out for its originality. Using leaves to mimic the texture of reptilian skin, Inoue recreates some of the most recognizable dinosaurs in history, such as the brontosaurus, stegosaurus, and velociraptor. These creatures, constructed with precision that highlights the minimalist yet lush forms of the leaves, seem to come to life in every detail. The use of raspberry leaves for the stegosaurus plates and forget-me-nots for the velociraptor are examples of Inoue’s artistic ingenuity.

The future of the “jurassic nature” series

Raku Inoue continues to expand his series, adding new leaf sculptures that promise to surprise his audience. His followers can stay updated on his creations through his Instagram account, where he regularly shares previews of his works. Additionally, in his online store, interested buyers can purchase prints of some of his botanical creations, bringing a piece of transformed nature into their homes.


Agnes Andersson
, Art Specialist