Japanese artist Yuko Nishimura reworks single sheets of handmade paper into abstract, contoured works of art in her series labeled as Relief. She employs the paper folding techniques used in origami to transform the special Japanese paper known as kyokushi into mesmerizing geometric patterns. She combines traditional methods with contemporary aesthetics across a monochromatic color scheme to make for one visually interesting set of paper structures that echo the shape and visual pattern of mandalas.
Adding to their intriguing form is the fact that, unlike typical origami, they remain fairly two-dimensional. The grooves created through Nishimura’s expert execution of paper folding certainly adds some dimension to the paper, but it looks more like a flat, symmetrical piece of circular paper has been drawn on. It’s hard to believe that the smooth creases are, in fact, folds. Light plays a crucial role in the way abstract designs and shadows are created as it hits the artist’s creations, revealing the folds. Still, her ability to create such clean and curving lines is absolutely astounding. Nishimura’s work reflect her meticulous skill and patience.
