By: David Wright
In the realm of art, innovation thrives at the intersection of diverse mediums, creating a tapestry of experiences that captivate and inspire. Among the vanguard of artists who navigate this confluence with grace and inventiveness is South Korean artist Paul Rho, whose Photogami series stands as a testament to the transformative power of blending traditional art forms with contemporary expression. This unique fusion not only challenges our perceptions but also expands the horizon of what art can be.
Origami, from the Japanese words “ori” meaning to fold, and “gami” referring to paper, is an art form that has enchanted people globally with its intricate designs and delicate precision. Its roots stretch back to ancient China before flourishing in Japan, where it evolved from ceremonial practices to a beloved hobby. In Korea, known as Jong-i jeobgi, origami is woven into the fabric of cultural education, teaching children not just about art but also about science, math, and history through the hands-on experience of folding paper.
Enter Paul Rho’s groundbreaking Photogami series, a project that seamlessly marries the delicate world of origami with the visual depth of photography. The concept behind Photogami is as innovative as it is simple: photographs are transformed into three-dimensional sculptures through precise folds and creases before being unfolded to reveal mesmerizing patterns left by their temporary shapes.
Launched in 2018, Photogami uses gray-hued photos coated in photo emulsion. Each image begins as a 42” square which Rho meticulously folds into different origami structures. Upon unfolding these creations, what remains are photographs marked by intricate crease lines each telling a story beyond their two-dimensional origins.
“Photogami was the first time that I presented photos as sculpture,” shared artist Paul Rho. “I folded photo paper into sculpture, folding it into an Origami-type form. I wanted to change photography from something we look at as framed on the wall to something we can see as sculpture, a different art form.”
This innovative approach transforms photography from merely capturing moments to creating tangible artifacts that exist within space and invite interaction. Rho’s work blurs boundaries between disciplines; his pieces are neither solely photographs nor purely origami but rather exist somewhere exhilaratingly in between.
Rho’s unique perspective on art and its presentation speaks volumes about his creative process, an exploration deeply rooted in traditional practices yet daringly modern in execution. His Photogami series prompts viewers to reconsider their relationship with everyday materials like paper and photographs and challenges them to see these mediums through a fresh lens, one that embraces complexity, depth, and dimensionality.
Beyond just aesthetic appeal or technical prowess, Photogami engages audiences on multiple levels; intellectually stimulating curiosity about how each piece was created while emotionally resonating through its palpable sense of transformation and temporality.
The impact of Paul Rho’s work extends far beyond gallery walls or social media feeds (www.instagram.com/paulrho/). It serves as a vibrant reminder of art’s capacity for innovation—how combining elements from different realms can produce something entirely new and breathtakingly beautiful.
In essence, Photogami redefines what it means to interact with both photography and origami by presenting them not just as forms to be viewed but experienced—inviting us all to unfold layers within art we thought familiar yet discover anew under Rho’s masterful touch.
As we delve deeper into Paul Rho’s online presence (www.paulrho.com), it becomes evident that his vision transcends mere artistic creation; it seeks dialogue—a conversation between artist and observer facilitated by folds on paper transfigured under thoughtful hands into stories waiting patiently for us all within each crease.
Published by: Nelly Chavez
