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Come & See The MGM Paper Town Exhibition
August 27 @ 8:30 am - September 12 @ 5:00 pm
Come & ENJOY …The MGM Paper Town Exhibition
It is a free event, welcoming everyone to explore the fascinating world of Papercutting art!
If you are not familiar with this craft art, Papercutting is a delicate and intricate art form that involves creating designs by cutting paper with precision. This art has a rich history, with early examples dating back to the 4th century AD in China after the invention of paper. It has evolved into a significant cultural art that symbolizes luck and happiness, especially during festivals and weddings. This art form spread across the world, adapting to different cultural styles, and is even recognized by United Nations for its cultural value. Today, Papercutting is not only a traditional craft but also a modern artistic expression, reflecting the blend of history and contemporary design. There are many styles of Papercutting throughout the world, each with its own unique look. Below are examples of six traditional styles:
Jianzhi – the art of Chinese Papercutting involves using scissors or a knife to cut designs out of paper. The designs can range from simple patterns to intricate and detailed scenes. Common themes include animals, plants, and traditional Chinese symbols.
Papel Picado – an early form of papercutting originated in ancient Mexico, where the Aztecs collected amatl, a paper-like bark from fig and mulberry trees.
Mizrah Papercut – Jewish papercutting is a traditional form of Jewish folk art made by cutting figures and sentences in paper or parchment. It is connected with various customs and ceremonies and associated with holidays and family life.
Scherenschnitt “Scissor Cutting” – The Pennsylvania Germans brought the art of scherenschnitte to America in the 1700s and used the cut work to decorate birth, baptismal, and marriage certificates.
Wycinanki (vih-chee-nahn-key) – a captivating Polish folk art tradition that dates back to the 19th century.
Wayang Kulit – is a traditional form of shadow puppetry originating from Java and Bali in Indonesia.
https://youtu.be/kbjKJHSa3nU?si=BU04KGllVqouoayV
To celebrate this artform, The Alabama International Education and Economic Partnership (ALIEEP) is collaborating with three artists to host an exhibition, showcase their original designs, meet them on August 27th at 3:00 pm, and foster a vibrant cultural exchange that enriches the community. Kathleen Trenhard [San Antonio, TX], Janelle Washington [Richmond, VA], and Shanlie Whittington [Mobile, AL]. It’s a fantastic opportunity for the community to engage with the arts and experience the creativity of distinguished artists up close.
Mark your calendars for a visit to the RSA Alabama Center for Commerce, 401 Adams Avenue, between 8:30 am – 5 pm, Monday – Friday, August 27th through September 12th, 2024 and enjoy this enriching cultural experience at no cost! Don’t miss this celebration of paper artistry!
By Tiki Armstrong