Emojis In The Wild

Contemporary sculptor Delfino Fidel has been under the spotlight with his collection of emojis that resemble objects or animals from our reality. Fidel’s sculptures give these digital icons a new lease of life and purpose, which is hilarious to witness when in motion.

How did you get into sculpting emojis?

For some time now, I’ve been focusing on everyday symbols and subjects chosen for their symbolic value, creating humorous sculptures that can generate new meanings. Emojis are everywhere, on social media, in the news, in advertising, and beyond. On one hand, I’m interested in how they are used in communication; on the other, in what they represent as a cultural phenomenon.

What is the context behind the collection?

In my recent work, I engage with the gestural symbols of the emoji lexicon, translating their digital presence into tangible, physical forms. These works both portray and play with contemporary modes of expression and how they shape our perception of the present. Emojis not only represent the times we live in, but the times we live in are also represented through emojis.

What is next for you and your artistic journey?

I’m currently working on the pieces for my first solo exhibition, while always keeping my eyes open for projects and opportunities where my work and artistic approach might resonate and create an impact.

What is the most important thing for you when it comes to creativity?

I’m always drawn to ideas that carry a spark, whether humorous, playful, or intuitive, that ignite in me a driving impulse to bring them to life as sculptures that manifest that spark.