PAPERSHAPERS @ Scion Space

Scion Space Presents: PAPERSHAPERS

April 11 – May 2, 2009

Curated by: Giant Robot

Original work by: Ana Serrano, Annie Vought, Brian Dettmet, Hunter Stabler, Peter Callesen, Polly Verity, Richard Sweeney, Mu Pan and Ryohei Tanaka.

Papershapers is a group show featuring ten artists who work with paper, not "on paper." The exhibition will feature works that are cut, torn, folded, and sewn into unique creations.

Shin Tanaka will be making a rare U.S. appearance at the opening and will be on hand to show original pieces and fold paper with attendees! Scion recently placed inserts in Giant Robot magazine, issues 56-58, that allowed readers to directly experience Tanaka's art. The three installments of the 4-in-1 Robot Paper Toy Project not only provided the bases for colorful, 3-D robot figures but, when combined, provide the parts to make a super robot.

A variety of paper artists from around the world will also participate in the exhibition. Tanaka is an interactive paper artist from Japan who has attracted fans worldwide by creating downloadable templates that enable people to make cool, customizable figures at home. Peter Callesen (Denmark) is well-known throughout the blogosphere for his paper cutouts that are often constructed from single sheets. The hyper-detail and surreal aspects of his work are typically written about in awestruck fashion. Brian Dettmer (Atlanta) actually cuts into books to create dioramas using the words and illustrations within. In addition to providing unimagined glimpses into encyclopedias and dictionaries, he has worked with maps and cassette tapes. Hunter Stabler (Philadelphia) executes detailed paper cuts and turns the delicate, snowflake-like pieces into "heavy" imagery such as skulls, planes, and bombs. Mu Pan (Brooklyn, N.Y.) refers to his paper works as "origaMu." By cutting, folding, and painting, he transforms sheets of paper into impossibly detailed depictions of historical figures such Mongols, Indians, and Kabuki characters. Ana Serrano (Los Angeles) creates miniature worlds via painted cardboard. The free-standing city scenes provide a colorful, engaging, and thoughtful look at class, culture, and economy. Richard Sweeney (England) creates abstract, elegant, geometric shapes that have provided the bases for one-of-a-kind lamps, boutique window displays, and sculptural installations around London. Ryohei Tanaka (Japan) uses symmetrical paper cuts to depict whimsical, other-worldly creatures, landscapes, and scenes. Polly Verity (Scotland) depicts envisions creatures like harpies and griffins via paper sculpture. Other projects include folded, arabesque textures and costume pieces that can actually be worn. Annie Vought (Oakland, Calif.) painstakingly cuts out handwritten letters and words, and employs the floated typography in her ghostly installations.

The opening reception takes place April 11, 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. and will run through May 2 at the Scion Installation L.A. Gallery, 3521 Helms Ave. (at National), Culver City, Calif. 90232.