Flexible and Stretchable Paper Sculptures

by Cristian I

Marble like?

They appear to be chiseled out of marble.

As you get closer to the piece, you’ll discover that an invitation to manipulate the sculpture is available.

If you pull the head, then the neck might look just like a Slinky.

The statues that Li Hongbo creates not only move, but they also have the capability of twisting, bending, spreading, stretching, and contracting.

That makes the impact of the work much more satisfying.

The Artist Uses a Unique Layering Process

Once Li Hongbo discovered how to connect paper to create his statues, he found endless possibilities for his creativity.

The layering process he uses to create each piece takes several months to complete.

He carefully considers the width, mass, and depth of each work to ensure a balanced construction happens.

Then he chisels, cuts, and sands each created block as if it were made of stone.

That’s how his three-dimensional sculptures provide more than meets the eye when you get your first glance at them.

After you pull or twist the sculpture to see its flexible structures, you can return it to its previous state.

That’s why the work of Li Hongbo is uniquely satisfying.

It provides you a taste of the familiar with an unexpected surprise.

How Is the Paper so Flexible After the Artist Sculpts It?

The stunning structure of each paper sculpture becomes possible through the use of honeycomb-style structures cut into the piece.

This exclusive process takes advantage of the unique strengths that the medium offers while allowing for traditional decorations as desired.

It’s a playful mobility that breathes new creativity into the genre.

Li Hongbo’s work has been on public display since 2014 in a variety of gallery shows and exhibitions.

He also uses different parts of the body, such as the lips, to create striking pieces that can be a lot of fun to manipulate.

You can see some of his latest pieces or learn more about the artist by connecting with the Eli Klein Gallery in New York City.

Bust of Michelangelo
Bust of Michelangelo
Bust of Michelangelo 2
Bust of Michelangelo 2
Bust of David
Bust of David
Amazing flexibility
Amazing flexibility
Marble or paper?
Marble or paper?
Paper Statue Details
Paper Statue Details
Paper Statue
Paper Statue
Li Hongbo work
Li Hongbo work

 

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