Ayumi Shibata’s paper-cut sculptures transcend the boundaries of traditional art, creating intricate and ethereal structures that seem to breathe with life. Unlike ordinary paper-cuts, Shibata’s works are multidimensional, with layers of paper that cast soft, gradient shadows when illuminated. This interplay of light and shadow imbues her creations with a warm and majestic quality.
Shibata’s artistic journey began in a church. After an accident forced her to temporarily abandon music, she found solace in the stained glass windows that adorned the sanctuary. The interplay of light and color captivated her, and upon returning home, she picked up paper and a knife, immersing herself in the art of paper-cutting.
For Shibata, the process of creating these sculptures is deeply personal. She sees paper as the yin and the cut-out spaces as the yang, believing that her art is a means of blending the two to bring life to the work. She explains, “When the yin and yang intertwine, the prototype of life emerges. Light (soul) resides there, breathing life into the creation.”
Shibata’s works often explore the harmony and cycle of all living things on Earth. This theme is central to her 2023 exhibition “Forest of Gods,” which features a series of immersive installations that invite viewers to contemplate the interconnectedness of all things.
Despite the intricate nature of her work, Shibata emphasizes the importance of inner beauty and intention. “The sun is watching over us,” she says. “What matters is not the outward appearance but the content and the heart. The outside cannot be seen from the inside, but love and heart can be put into the invisible places. I believe that this is also reflected in our daily lives and our state of mind.”
Shibata’s paper-cut sculptures are a testament to the transformative power of art. Through her unique technique and deep connection to her materials, she creates works that evoke a sense of wonder and tranquility, inviting viewers to reflect on the beauty and interconnectedness of the world around them.
