Chinese Papercut: Contemporary Artist: Space 301

The Chinese art of paper cutting reaches back into China's 6th century creativity. This art form was originated by Cau Lun  is also known as Jian Zhi. It gained more popularity during the 7th century.

Paper cutting began to be considered a higher art form during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 A.D.). The designs were utilized as sacrifices to gods or dead relatives. Later on, it became a decorative art in doorways, windows, and as lamps. When the art of making paper improved, various types of paper and more colors were available, and paper cutting artists took advantage of this good fortune. Eventually westerners became interested in this artistic endeavor.

Seven  intercontinental artists are bringing this technique to Space 301 in Mobile, Al from 10/14/11 until 12/17/11. These artist use this artistic genre to write visual narratives and create intricate abstracted designs. They use the spectrum of colors, and contrast elements with light and shadow. Just to wet your creative appetite--the artists are Lauren Scanlon, Jaq Belcher, Lenka Konopasek, Béatrice Coron, Reni Gower, Michelle Forsyth, and Daniella Woolf.




Making Chinese Paper Cuts