Masters of origami: Folding modern marvels
Origami, the ancient art of paper folding, has transformed from a traditional Japanese pastime to a cutting-edge global art form. Modern artists craft complex designs that push the limits of what is possible with a single sheet of paper. This article features the profiles of 10 pioneering origami artists who have turned simple sheets of paper into stunning sculptures, and are redefining the worlds of contemporary art and science.
Pioneering paper sculptures
Akira Yoshizawa is the undisputed legend of modern origami, having crafted over 50,000 masterpieces. His pioneering techniques, most notably wet-folding, catapulted this art form into the 20th century by facilitating the creation of more sculptural and organic forms. Beyond his artistic genius, Yoshizawa's legacy extends to the realm of education, highlighting the power of origami to deepen our understanding of geometry and spatial relationships.
Bridging art and science
Robert J. Lang, a physicist turned origami artist, blends the worlds of art and science with his intricate paper sculptures. He has written or co-written over 80 publications on the mathematics of origami and its applications in engineering, including designing airbag folding patterns for cars. His work, ranging from realistic insects to complex tessellations, highlights how the principles of this ancient art form can solve real-world challenges.
Origami for social change
Origamist Bernie Peyton uses his art to advocate for environmental awareness and conservation. By creating vibrant paper depictions of endangered wildlife, his pieces act as a powerful visual appeal against biodiversity loss. By teaching workshops worldwide, Peyton imparts knowledge about ecology through origami, demonstrating art's potential to influence social change.
The Digital Fold
The introduction of computer algorithms into origami design has revolutionized the art form, providing artists like Tomohiro Tachi with a new world of possibilities. By blending computational geometry with traditional folding techniques, Tachi generates designs previously considered impossible to achieve by hand alone. His software tools enable artists to experiment with intricate folds virtually before manipulating them on paper, expanding the realm of achievable complexity in origami art.
Community building through origami
Tadashi Mori is a legend for his complex dragon origami and teaching millions online. His videos have racked up millions of views, fostering a community where enthusiasts, from beginners to advanced, can share their passion. This digital bridging ensures the ancient art not only survives but thrives and evolves with new generations.
