li hongbo exhibits flexible paper busts for tools of study

li hongbo exhibits flexible paper busts for tools of study
all images courtesy klein sun gallery, new york

li hongbo: tools of study
klein sun gallery, new york
now through march 22nd, 2014

with what appears to be recreations of carved porcelain busts, the sculptures of chinese artist li hongbo are actually entirely comprised of thousands of sheets of paper. currently exhibiting ‘tools of study’ at klein sun gallery, new york, the stretchable, slinky-like paper sculptures invite viewers to experience paper in a novel and playful way. influenced by traditional folk art and chinese decorations known as ‘paper gourds’, the carvings are made from glued layers of sheets; the application of the medium takes on a honeycomb-like structure to form incredibly elastic forms, transforming the media to stretch, twist, elongate and retract. through this juxtaposition of playful mobility and a traditional aesthetic, hongbo breathes a unique life into his works that stuns and awes the viewer. new york city-based film production company kid guy collective has documented the haunting paper statues in a short, slow-motion film, recently featured by designboom here.

visitors are invited to experience paper in a novel and playful way

the paper sculpture being manipulated and pulled in place

installation view at klein sun gallery, new york

‘torso of a young woman’, 2012
paper
58 x 32 x 25cm

‘torso of a young woman’, 2012
paper
58 x 32 x 25cm

bust of marseilles, 2012
paper
60 x 36 x 35cm

bust of marseilles, 2012
paper
60 x 36 x 35cm

‘bust of david’, 2012
paper
70 x 50 x 50cm

‘bust of david’, 2012
paper
70 x 50 x 50cm

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