Transformation – 9 artistic paper sculptures
Under the project title “Transformation” I have designed three series of three objects each. The aim of my artistic work was to explore different possibilities of transformation and to implement them in different ways in three-dimensional sculptures made of paper and cardboard. Thus, I have created a total of 9 works that show the aspect of metamorphosis / transformation in different ways:
a) Pop-Up Paper Sculptures „Strings I – III“
paper and cardboard, cut, folded, glued,
size opened approx. 60 x 42 x 25 cm; size closed approx. 29,5 x 42 x 2,5 cm,
Three works are so-called “pop-up sculptures”. Made of white paper and cardboard, these works transform into three-dimensional objects when flat shapes are opened. All three pop-up sculptures show structures made of fine paper strips, which straighten up in different directions when the object is opened (similar to a book) and form a three-dimensional shape in their entirety. The spatial overlapping of the individual strips behind and next to each other creates interesting optical effects in the eye of the viewer, so-called “moiré-effects”. This effect is further enhanced by the choice of material (paper), as the strips remain in motion and “resonate” for several seconds after the sculpture is opened. The theme of “transformation” is expressed in these objects in two ways: on the one hand, the paper sculptures are actually “transformed” from a flat to a three-dimensional state when they are unfolded; on the other hand, even when opened, they create the impression (illusion) of movement and change as soon as they are viewed from changing angles.
In the following video you can see the pop-up sculptures in motion:
b) Paper Sculptures „Offenbarung II – IV“ (Revelation II – IV)
Mixed media – paper and carboard, pigment ink, cut, folded, glued
in object frame, size 48.5 x 48.5 x 9 cm.
In these works, the viewer’s gaze is restricted by 121 white open cuboids of paper, each tilted at different angles, in such a way that only a partial aspect of the colored background surfaces is visible. Viewing the works from different angles changes the perceived colorfulness. It is impossible to grasp the objects in their entirety at a single glance. Only by changing the angle of view can the colorfulness of the paper sculptures gradually be fully grasped. As soon as the viewer moves, the impression is created that the paper sculptures are changing (transforming).
Although these paper sculptures have no moving elements, the impression of movement is created as soon as they are viewed from changing angles. You can see this effect well in the following video:
c) Paper Sculptures “Fluss” (Flow), “Gleichgewicht” (Balance), “Fortdauer” (Persistence)
Mixed media – paper and carboard, pigment ink, cut, folded, glued
in acrylic frame, size 40 x 50 x 10 cm (W x H x D)
Each of these works shows irregularly shaped elements of white paper placed at different angles (more or less perpendicular) to the back wall. Between the white paper elements, narrow sections of a colored surface can be seen. By viewing the works from different angles, the impression of movement is created. At the same time, some colored fields seem to move to the left and some fields to the right. In addition, the illusion is created that the stripes are also changing color. The optical effect varies depending on the distance of the viewer from the art object. The paper sculptures seem to transform before the eyes of the viewers.
Although these paper sculptures have no moving elements, the impression of movement is created as soon as they are viewed from changing angles. You can see this effect well in the following video:
If you would like to purchase one of these personally handmade works of art, please write me an email. I will be happy to give you information about availability and prices. My contact details can be found here.
Project: Paper Sculptures
Client: Personal art project, sponsored by the scholarship program for freelance artists “Auf geht’s“ of the Ministry of Culture and Science of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, Department Press and Communication
Artist: Peter Dahmen
Years of creation: 2020, 2021