Passage V

Small Wonders

At first glance, the tiny scenes may not attract a passerby's attention. Miniature toys, seemingly abandoned by a child, are arranged on sidewalks and in alleyways, at risk of being stepped on or swept away by rain. A closer look, however, reveals that these plastic figurines have been strategically placed and, though inanimate, appear to be busying themselves. In Paris, for instance, near a street cafe's outdoor trash can, a tiny waiter holding a menu prepares to seat customers who are waiting behind a velvet rope. A pastry and its crumpled wrapper, discarded by a cafe patron, serving as the backdrop, a reminder of the real-world setting.

Nevertheless, such scenes are painstakingly created and photographed by London-based artist Slinkachu. Working exclusively in urban areas, he uses figurines from toy train sets to create small scenes in a big world. After crafting intricate props such as-a waterslide made from a painted and coiled garden hose or a basketball hoop made from a soda can pop-top-Slinkachu spends hours carefully staging a scene. He photographs it up close, and then shoots (from farther and farther back), until he captures the larger cityscape, the tiny scene nearly vanishing from view. Once the artist has finished his shots, he simply walks away.

Slinkachu likens his miniature scenes, which are quite small, to obscure treasures. Some are praised tremendously by pedestrians. Others are curried away by wind or rain, may never be seen at all. Due to the temporary nature of Slinkachu's works, his photographs, rather than actual scenes, are displayed in art galleries.

[1] Slinkachu's art often highlights how small and lonely one can feel in a busy urban center. [2] Standing next to a lone palm tree, the pair looks out for rescue. [3] One London scene, arranged in a rain puddle on an asphalt path, features a minuscule couple stranded atop a tennis-ball island. [4] This work, like many others in Slinkachu's portfolio, conveys a notable message, moments of drama (and even humor) can be found everywhere, if you take the time to look. (74)