In July On Paper - New Paper Art unfolds as the first major exhibition to bring together some of the best international contemporary paper art.
We are surrounded by paper, manipulating and forming it into everyday items without thinking of its true capacity as a material. On Paper will open our eyes to the possibilities of paper by highlighting the use, interpretation and development of paper art.
On Paper will showcase the work of forty international artists diverse in their practice but
united by their enthusiasm for paper as a material. Divided into four sections, the exhibition will exemplify how both unexpected and beautiful this often undervalued material can be.
The exhibition begins with Texts and Messages which is about language, public and private, constructed and deconstructed. In this section, artefacts made from paper that we use in our everyday lives are explored as art objects: Deb Rindl, Cas Holmes and Les Bicknell, for instance, all exploit the sculptural possibilities of the book form.
The simplest and most immediate way to interact with paper is to fold it. In New Folding
we see how Akira Yoshizawa, 'sensi' or master of the traditional Japanese folk art Origami,
has provided a legacy on which contemporary artists continue to build.
In contrast, Cut & Constructed shows forms that are created through cutting, gluing, stitching, weaving and rivetting to create work ranging from textiles and jewellery to vessels and
sculpture. Work featured in this section includes Paul Johnson’s intricate relief book works
and Alison Wilson-Hart’s jewellery which uses precise cutting, folding and layering techniques to produce sculptural body pieces.
In the final section, Nature and Spirit, artists reflect on the human condition within the
context of the natural world. This section features Jeanne Jaffe’s body inspired sculptures
and Kyoko Ibe’s experience of the elements is explored in her installation White Wind.
Susan Cutts’ group of near identical paper stilettos encourages us to look at identity through dress.
Jane Thomas, curator of On Paper comments, ‘With work ranging from Charlie Thomas’ stylish tailored paper suits to the intricate origami of Akira Yoshizawa, On Paper will prove that paper has shed its artisan associations and is establishing its place within the visual arts.’
Related Links:
