With what appears to be impeccable recreations of carved porcelain masterpieces, the sculptures are in fact entirely comprised of thousands of layers of paper. Li Hongbo's stunning, stretchable, paper sculptures, inspired by both traditional folk art and his time as a student learning to sculpt, challenge our perceptions. With a technique influenced by his fascination with traditional Chinese decorations known as paper gourds—made from glued layers of paper—Li Hongbo applies a honeycomb-like structure to form remarkably flexible sculptures. via Klein Sun
Many photos were taken as well as a couple of videos. Grab a glass or cuppa. Get comfy and enjoy.
Thanks so much for showing so many photographs - the different sizes, open, closed and different shapes. I so want to be there and ask questions, see what they look like…how amazing! I am still shaking my head thinking about the how…I have no words, shall stop now...
ReplyDeleteThe sculptures truly are amazing to see. At first glance, they appear to be classical busts, perhaps constructed with plaster rather than carved from stone. A closer look at the hair gives the impression of chisel marks though. And then a staff member walks over wearing white gloves and it seems the sculpture is going to moved to another spot - only not. As it's lifted, the paper starts to stretch and stretch and twist and turn and jaws drop on those who had no idea what they were looking at.
DeleteHonestly, it would have been fun to just find a corner to get comfy in the watch the reaction of visitors. Unless they knew what the exhibit was, those who came in while I was there were totally surprised. One person thoughts them toys and wanted to buy one for the grandkids, another thought they were rubber and there were a few who were more informed.
I'm hoping to go back before it closes. Maybe ask to see others opened. Stay tuned!
A friend also posted some videos of these. Watching the pieces "in action" is strangely unsettling but what a remarkable body of work. How much fun to see them in person--thank you for sharing them.
ReplyDeleteIt is a bit unsettling to see a head - even a carved one - suddenly expand and stretch and twist, then resettle into place as if nothing had happened. Totally cool too.
DeleteHow amazing and what fun - thanks for sharing your trip!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome Rosie. There's more to come, but Li Hongbo's work deserved its own post.
DeleteOh my - what extraordinary work - sometimes very beautiful, and then when stretched, disconcerting and definitely troubling - amazing. I would love to see this - and to witness the reactions of the on-lookers.
ReplyDeleteI'm loving all the adjectives being used! If his work is ever exhibited near you, go!!! Nothing can beat seeing it in person.
Deletegobsmacked! Have never used that word before but this work has rendered me speechless. thanks for sharing Jennifer. Am so envious that you can just wander down to New York and visit the galleries on a Saturday. Will really have to come and meet you there one day x
ReplyDeleteGobsmacked certainly applies here! If I'd truly just wandered in without previous knowledge of the work, I'm sure my jaw would have hit the floor, a few savory words would have escaped and my eyes would have popped when that bust lifted and stretched. It was almost as fun to watch peoples' reactions as it was to see the work first hand.
DeleteI'd love to wander around the galleries with you. Come on over...just not in our winter please.
I would avoid winter at all costs! x It is a date. Granted, an unknown one, but a date. x
DeleteWow - these are fantastic! Now all I want to know is how they did it!!!
ReplyDeleteAren't they unbelievable? Google Li Hongbo. There are several videos of him working. Needless to say, the videos leave me even more amazed.
DeleteWOW! Thanks for sharing. That was something to see! My mind is spinning....
ReplyDelete