Stark White Paper Cities Made From Dozens of Cut and Layered Sheets of Paper
Artist Ayumi Shibata practices the Japanese art of paper cutting to create layered, three-dimensional sculptures. By using dozens (and sometimes over 100) sheets of paper, Shibata crafts intricate cityscapes and forests that are compiled into hand-bound books and contained inside glass jars. When illuminated by light, the tiers of white paper glow to express a cinematic depth.
Not only is paper a convenient and inexpensive material, but it also has deep significance for the artist. In Japanese, the word “kami” means “god” or “spirit” as well as “paper.” Shibata is not intimidated by the blankness of a fresh sheet of paper and instead sees limitless possibilities.
Each layer of paper art is cut out freehand, without the use of any pencil outline. All the artist needs to begin is the mental picture of the sculptural setting. Shibata tells My Modern Met, “I use my technique to express my thankfulness to the ‘Kami‘ for having been born in this life. I believe that through cutting paper, I purify my mind and soul.”
