Their skin stretches and folds gently, hair protrudes from their pores and light reflects off the tangible sheens of sweat across their body as they spoon in bed.The pair may look like a couple lying on a mattress, but in fact they are hyper-realistic sculptures of humans, displayed on a stone slab for an exhibition.The models were created by London-based sculptor Ron Mueck who has been producing sculptures since 1996.Mr Mueck only turned to fine art for his living in his 30s - he was previously a model maker and puppeteer for childrens' television and films - he worked as Ludo on the 1986 film Labyrinth. His creative process sees him sculpt in clay, make a plaster mould around the form and then replace the clay with a mixture of fibreglass, silicone and resin.Mr Mueck, who is famously known for working silently and not giving media interviews, employs skills and techniques that are more often found in theatrical or cinematic special effects.Part of his work's allure is that he constructs the likenesses of human beings, while playing with scale - some of his figures are alarmingly large, while others are pint-sized - although they are equally realistic regardless of their dimensions.Although some of the sculptures are heart-warming to look at - such as an elderly couple gently resting on each under a bright-coloured parasol - Mr Mueck is not afraid to create more startling creations.In 1997 Mr Mueck took part in the exhibition Sensation at the Royal Academy and presented an unsettling half-sized version of his own father laid out naked - it is the only piece of work in which he uses his own hair for the finished product.Another one of his most shocking creations is a giant baby that has just been born, covered in blood with the umbilical cord hanging from his stomach.In a rare interview he told Sculptureorg: 'I don’t think of them as mannequins. On one hand, I try to create a believable presence; and, on the other hand, they have to work as objects. They aren’t living persons, although it’s nice to stand in front of them and be unsure whether they are or not.'But ultimately, they’re fiberglass objects that you can pick up and carry. If they succeed as fun things to have in the room, I’m happy. At the same time, I wouldn’t be satisfied if they didn’t have some kind of presence that made you think they’re more than just objects.'(dailymail.co.uk)ANN.Az