The art of origami (from oru meaning “folding”, and gami meaning “paper”) has gone urban. Now the cool kids and designers have taken to engineering folding designs, what is unfolding is a genre of art that is rivaling the vinyl toy revolution and producing some phenomenal folding fun.
Paper Toy Exhibitions – folded fun on display in Tokyo.
Recent exhibitions in Tokyo, such as the Urban Paper display being held at Pause Talk in Ikebukuro, show off the growing popularity of the contemporary paper arts.
Shin Tanaka’s Art – bringing paper to life.
Shin Tanaka, often referred to as the Paper Maestro or Godfather of Paper Toys, began designing and making paper art as a college student in Japan. Now an international success known for his paper toys, urban art and sneaker designs, Tanaka’s paper creations take on a very urban vibe, inspired by street fashion. Tanaka has only recently began turning his ever popular paper art into vinyl toys.
Nani Dad and his 3 Nani Peeps – fold, construct and play with at home.
The Nani Birds have been flying around the globe. Japan-based illustrator and creator, MCKIBILLO, designs the Nani Birds as a hands on DIY project for fanatical folders to create and enjoy at home.
These little birdies have become so popular world wide that artists and designers from around the globe are collaborating to add their own style to the Nani Bird paper base.
Personality Filled Paper Figures hand crafted by Yasutaka Matsumoto
Paper art is busting out in Tokyo in diverse and contemporary ways. It is not all just about folding paper into 3D form. Japanese paper artist, Yasutaka Matsumoto constructs 3D figures and characters using board, bond, clue and various craft papers. Each piece is lovingly hand crafted. Precise connection of the colors, papers and shapes creates the playful forms and personality filled figures.
While traditional paper arts still exist, the modern day designers are pioneering new forms and folds, bringing new life to a long appreciated art.
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