Papercut: Tradition to Contemporary

EVENT DESCRIPTION

Artspace K is pleased to present PaperCut Art Exhibition featuring 90 pieces of paper-cut artworks from traditional to contemporary by seven artists: Li Yun-Xia, Lee Huan-Chan, Lau Ming-Hang, Lee Keng-Chun, Chen Yan-Ting, Wuba Yang, and Meko Cheng.

Paper-cutting art involves paper as a medium. Patterns are cut by scissors and engraving tools such as burins. Considered a folk art, paper-cutting (Jianzhi) was a pastime done communally by generations of women that every one of them had to inherit, master, and pass on. These works were mainly created for special events and festivals, with subjects based on daily lives. With a dynamic sense of beauty, paper cut works produce fulfilling, modest, lively, simple yet artistic forms, between solid and void, yin and yang that manifest on and beyond the plane.

Today, contemporary paper-cutting is active in the international art scene. Through the works on display, Artspace K hopes that visitors will deepen their understanding and love for the art of paper-cutting. Lee Yu-Han, the curator of this exhibition, noted that the works from the seven artists cut out life, culture, history, emotions, allegory, and stories expressing unique individuality and the current society. While traditional elements remain central, the works contain a fashionable charm, driving paper-cutting art to become more abundant and diversified. These works no longer represent a single purpose or a particular era, it is integrated into various fields. This produces effects – while preserving the spirit of paper-cutting – that elevates a traditional craft to a fine art practice and allows people to appreciate its diverse beauty in different facets.

During the exhibition, Artspace K will hold events to increase the visitors’ understanding of the art of paper cut and to experience it.