The Modern Art of Papercutting

Famillesummerbelle, this is the artist’s paper cut creation for a recent art exhibition and fundraiser to support rescue and rebuilding efforts in Japan.

Paper cutting is an art that’s got quite the history, one that’s evolved uniquely in places all over the world.  From jian zhi in China and kirigami in Japan, to papel picado in Mexico and the Jewish art form that dates back to the middle ages, the art is imbued with its geographical and cultural roots. There’s been a renaissance of late too. Artists and artisans are breathing new life in this tradition perhaps as a response to the increasing digitization of our world. Take a look at these creations.

Helen Musselwhite papercut terrariums via Oh So Beautiful Paper. I am always in awe of how paper can be transformed. From the ideas and worlds in books to the art created through folds and cuts. These miniature scenes are fairytale-eque for sure. Exquisite detail and craftsmanship.

The two pictures below are the work of Hina Aoyama via Design Related. Hina Aoyama, a Japanese artist living in France creates her super fine lacy artwork by hand with scissors and paper alone. Her pieces are known for their meticulous detail that resembling fine embroidery. Each piece takes about 1 month to produce. Breathtaking.  

From tiny to massive, these two art installations shown below are cut by hand from paper. Delicate paper is transformed into something majestic and ethereal.

Papercut cloud installation by Mia Pearlman. Image via Picocool.

Installation by Chris Natrop, image via Red Bubble.