Paper art is a beautiful art form and is popular in many counties like Japan, Germany, U.S.A and China. Japan is known for the paper art Origami and Kirigami. Origami is a well known paper art and is famous worldwide. Origami is a paper art that involves folding of paper. While Kirigami paper art involves folding of single paper many times to form different shapes like a square or a cone for instance and cutting that paper base into various shapes symmetrically in each section to form designs. That folded paper with numerous small cuts in many shapes and sizes are then opened to reveal the final patterns in the shape of snowflakes,flowers etc.
" Kiru" means to cut and "gami "( kami ) means paper. Kirigami means to cut paper. It is a beautiful as well as delicate and intricate form of paper craft of folded as well as cut paper to form paper designs of snowflakes etc.
Origami does not involve cutting of paper. I remember how as children my brother and I learnt Kirigami and Origami in our craft class in Japan. Origami and Kirigami lessons were the lessons we always looked forward to as these paper arts would transport us to a peaceful world of pretty designs and creativity. I used to love the beautiful and bright coloured papers specially with Japanese motifs used specially in origami. We used to create snowflakes for decorating our school windows before Christmas at our International school in Tokyo.
Kirigami was particularly interesting as according to me it is closest to an individual expression and what is interesting is that the more innovative you get the more interesting and delightful designs of paper craft you create. It is a paper art form that children specially enjoy and while all forms of paper art around the world are lovely, Kirigami is very popular and teaches kids to develop patience and refine their concentration and creativity. The wonderful pop up cards or books that are an old time favourite of most are also an example of Kirigami.
The Kirigami designs resemble some of the patterns of " Rangoli ". In modern India Kirigami paper stencils are now available to make " Rangolis " on Hindu festivals like Diwali ( Festival of Lights ) and other auspicious occasions at the entrance using vibrant coloured sand, powders or rice. Rangoli is an ancient traditional folk art form from India where mostly geometrical,floral or other ethnic motifs are drawn on the floor or ground in the form of a circle with actually a chalk or freehand with coloured powder. These patterns are filled with lively coloured sand, petals or rice. These patterns are then decorated with earthen lamps around them usually at the entrance to welcome the Gods and the guests. On Diwali Rangoli is made at the entrance of the house to attract and welcome the Goddess of Wealth, Lakshmi . Now that my imagination is becoming more active in comparing the traditional art of Kirigami , I wonder if artisans, craftsmen and designers got inspired by it to even create those block printing wooden blocks which are used with vegetable dyes to design saris and fabrics and the designs on these paper mâché or brass, mother of pearl and marble pill boxes. My mother and I were just discussing how the delicate art form of inlay work using semi precious stones on marble in Taj Mahal also reminds us of Kirigami art. The art form of Inlay work originated from Italy and then appealed to the Mughals soon after that.
I believe that Kanako Yaguchi is a very famous and well respected artist in the world of Kirigami. I have always been particularly interested in this paper art form since my childhood days but I intend to pursue this childhood interest and hobby now to study more about this art form and learn about this artist as well to inspire myself more in immersing myself deeper in this form of paper art.
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