Washi Transformed

This exquisite new publication celebrates how Japanese contemporary artists push traditional washi paper beyond its historic uses to create innovative, highly textured two-dimensional works, expressive sculptures, and dramatic installations. Historically, washi paper has been used as a base for Japanese calligraphy, painting, and printmaking as well as a material in architecture, religious ritual and clothing. In recent years, contemporary Japanese artists have turned this supple yet sturdy paper into a medium for expressing their artistic vision – layering, weaving, dyeing, shredding, folding, or cutting the paper to form abstract sculptures, lyrical folding screens, highly textured wall pieces, and dramatic installations. This elegantly designed volume examines the extraordinary creations of these diverse contemporary artists from Japan, France, and the United States. The publication also demonstrates the resilience, versatility, and unique stature of this ancient artistic medium in the realm of international contemporary art. Published to accompany a travelling exhibition: Allentown Art Museum, Allentown, PA October 10, 2021 – January 2, 2022 Longmont Museum, Longmont, CO January 28, 2022 – May 15, 2022 D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts, Springfield Museums, Springfield, MA June 11, 2022 - September 4, 2022 Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, Delray Beach, FL November 3, 2022 - April 2, 2023Acknowledgments Introduction A History of Traditional Japanese Papermaking: From Surface to Sculpture by Hollis Goodall Contemporary Washi Art: Exploring Dimension, Scale and Texture by Meher McArthur Artwork