Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on March 2014

Maurice Montero is a man obsessed with flight. The French-Ecuadorian artist is renowned for his intricate and kinetic sculptures of wood, bamboo and paper depicting man’s attempt to conquer aviation. Most of his smaller works are held in private collections globally. Reminiscent of antique toys with their distinct finish of soft, neutral colors; his meticulous carvings are engineered to come alive with rotating gears and wheels that move in sync with his wooden character’s joints. The works—and their graceful, delicate movements—are on display at the Cervantes Institute in Chiyoda for two weeks only before moving to Gallery Seiho in Ginza for another week.

Cervantes Institute, Mar 14-Apr 2; Gallery Seiho Apr 3-11.