Papercraft: Research

Papercraft is one of the more ancient types of 3D artwork. From Japanese origami, to the intricate loops of Quiling;  paper crafting has evolved into one of the more challenging and intricate types of art forms. In this blog I am reviewing the beautiful illuminated story book scenes that were created by art duo Hari and Deepti. They are a married couple who use sheets of intricately cut and stacked water colour paper to create fantastical scenes. These are placed within a light box and are illuminated by LED light strips in different colours. 

The majority of Hari and Deepti's works focus on the theme of journeys and adventures. There are warriors facing against large beasts or adventurers who search through a dark, dangerous cave. From what I learned about this art and the people who created it, the works also look at the relationship nature has with the world around it. The fire guides as the cave swallows; the beast like wolves merge from the sharp rocks and roots of the ground. This idea of nature and coexistence is also rooted in reality and it is clearly shown in this comparison they made of a scene they created for their story book The Seekers and a photo taken of the California fires:

As the fire wolf attacks and the blaze spreads in reality, the waters edge stops it from spreading further, much like the water wolf. The use of coloured lights allow for the fire to look almost real its glow within the paper art works. The cool, blue coloured light, gives off a frosty liquid feel to the cut out shapes. 

The use of coloured lights within these pieces creates the main atmosphere and brings life into the works. When un lit, the art takes on an almost inverted feel. For instance:

this piece showcases glowing fireflies. The orange light warms the piece all while giving emphasis to the fireflies as the bringers of light. However, what becomes the brightest when the light is on becomes the darkest shadow when the light is gone. Unlike the warm welcoming glow of the orange light, the stark white paper brings with it an almost uncomfortable feel. The life of each work created by the duo comes from the final addition of the coloured lights. This look at the 3D effect of the artworks composition reveals the way in which depth is brought to the art. The brightest parts are complete holes at the back of the work, while the darkest are always at the front, farthest away from the lights. This placement of the composition also frames the main focus of the artwork, helping to guide the eye of the viewer around. 

What inspired me about this artist duo and their work was the execution and presentation of the final pieces. Just looking at the cut paper light boxes makes me want to sit there all day and stare at it. The detail and depth created within these works has inspired me to really think more deeply of the themes and stories behind the art work I create. Every single artwork created by Hari and Deepti has such a vivid story within it that it looks almost like a scene from a film or a hyper realistic dream.

The execution of these art works is also inspiring to me and motivates me to really take the time to create meaningful objects and works myself. The clean cuts done by hand, the composition, and the clean set up of each light box image looks nearly laser cut. It is evident even in the process video that taking time to really focus on the papercraft allows for the final piece to become a near perfect product.

The beauty of these Cut Paper Light Box's and the thoughtful stories told within them drew me into this artist duo. And thus motivated me to review their work and take inspiration from their work ethic and process of creation. I hope to create something just as beautiful one day.

Sources

https://www.thisiscolossal.com/2014/03/illuminated-cut-paper-light-boxes-by-hari-deepti/

https://www.boredpanda.com/papercut-light-boxes-hari-deepti/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=organic

http://www.harianddeepti.com/work#/the-seekers/

https://boingboing.net/2021/01/26/hari-deeptis-paper-cut-light-boxes.html