Balloon art is a common sight at children’s birthday parties, but artist Masayoshi Matsumoto has elevated the practice with his complex sculptures. Using only balloons—no markers, adhesives, or other sealants—he crafts creatures large and small and doesn’t limit himself to a particular size or species. While all are impressive, the bulbous forms lend themselves well to invertebrates and crustaceans because the contour of the satin-finished latex mimics the look and feel of shells.

Images © Masayoshi Matsumoto