Papercraft is an art form that typically follows the process of using paper to create 3D objects in the real world. Mainly, these objects are designed in 3D software that allows for the object to be built, unfolded and then replicated in the real world using paper, going from flat to three-dimensional. Some pieces of papercraft are also seen as layered flat pieces of paper built up to create depth, and some integrate both 2D and 3D into the same work.
The artist I am reviewing is Hoang Tien Quyet and will be looking at their practice, techniques and points of interest. After reading the article Wet Fold Origami Technique Gives Wavy Personality to Paper Animals by Artist Hoang Tien Quyet (Sierzputowski, Colossal), it was highlighted that Quyet uses a particular technique called “wet-folding” to create soft, smooth curves in their work. For the paper to hold these curves, water is used to bend the paper allowing it to hold a smooth curved shape without creating edges. It is noted that thicker paper is needed for this technique to work especially for Quyet as their craft focuses on creating origami-styled animals and regular origami paper isn’t strong enough to withstand water being applied to it resulting in tearing and delicacy. Although these soft folds in the paper are being used in Quyet’s work, there are still sharp edges seen in traditional origami used throughout Quyet’s papercraft creating a balance between soft and sharp edges.
Quyet explains that they have been folding paper since they were young and found the idea of taking something flat and making it three-dimensional and creating something beautiful out of it was something amazing. There was also this joy that came from creating these paper objects and seeing them as their own toys growing up. Quyet says, "I kept folding alone for a long time, till I found the Vietnam Origami Group forum where I met many friends who shared the same passion for origami and was inspired to create my own models. I also learned about wet-folding from Giang Ding, which really changed my approach to origami, and helped me discover my own style”. Many origami conventions and group exhibitions were attended by Quyet that were held all over the world such as in Spain, France, the USA, Germany, Italy, Japan, Taiwan, and Vietnam between the years 2012-2019 showcasing these particular papercraft works. (https://htquyet.origami.vn/about)
I find Quyet’s work particularly interesting with the way they use a minimalistic colour palette. For each animal, the most amount of colours used is 2 while some are completely one solid colour depending on the work. Although simple, these choices are seen as very intentional and help the viewer understand what type of animal is being communicated. The colours are treated like separate shapes used to divide up different sections of the animals. The foxes are orange with an accent of white along their chest and cheeks much like how you would see them in real life. The body of the horse is white while the mane and tail are purple. Although the purple hair isn’t a natural colour choice, the different coloured shapes break up what different textures of the horse would feel like in real life and these colour choices are able to communicate that difference.
A stylistic choice I also find to be quite pleasing with these works is how the anatomy of the animals is being manipulated. Going back to the fox and horse, these animals are known to be quite light on their feet and are seen as graceful and so in Quyet’s work, we are able to see that in how their legs come to sharp, skinny points creating this delicacy. For the rounder and denser shaped animals like the ox and rabbit, bigger, rounder, and softer shapes created with the wet-folding technique are used to show that weight or fullness to the animal.
I find that overall, I really enjoy the way Quyet communicates each animal through the use of simplified but recognizable shapes with a minimalist approach and clear intentions.
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